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Empowering Attendees: The Introduction of the “Pay What You Wish” System
In 2024, after a five-year hiatus, we are challenging the “Pay What You Wish” system with a lineup we’ve put our hearts into. This means that instead of relying on advance ticket sales, we’ve chosen a method where attendees can enjoy the event regardless of their financial situation.
Pay What You Wish (PWYW) is a system where attendees can freely set their payment amount at the venue. This system, aimed at increasing access to art, is adopted in museums and art galleries in countries like the UK and USA. In countries with high immigration and significant income disparities, PWYW music series featuring indie artists are frequently held across various locations. Such initiatives contribute to making art (including arts and music) more accessible and integrated into everyday life, which is often cited as a reason why art is more prevalent and embedded in daily life overseas.
From the crowdfunding page
Some people may be familiar with the concept from street performances. Examples like GEZAN’s ‘Zenkankaku-sai’ and SEVENTEEN AGAiN’s ‘REPLACEMENTS’ demonstrate artists leading with the PWYW system, though it remains less common in Japan. Deciding how much to pay for this music experience is a cultural act in itself. The amount you choose to pay should not be compared to others; it should be what feels right for you. Encouraging individuals to establish their own value for music payment is crucial for cultural enrichment. In this sense, events like ‘HELLO INDIE,’ consciously fostering this environment, offer hope for cultural vitality.
