Eric Klug Assumes Japan House São Paulo Presidency Amid Pandemic, Emphasizes Digital Expansion and Cultural Diplomacy
On April 1, 2020, Eric Klug assumed the role of the third president of Japan House São Paulo (JHSP) amid the Covid-19 pandemic. His tenure has been marked by a commitment to bolstering virtual initiatives, including the launch of the JHSP online campaign designed to bridge connections between Japan and Brazil. Having previously headed IDBrasil and the British Council Brasil, Klug identifies similarities in their cultural diplomacy efforts. He criticizes current Brazilian federal policies that he believes negatively impact the cultural landscape. Established in 2017, JHSP welcomed over 2 million visitors within its first three years and offers exhibition spaces, a library, a restaurant, a café, and a shop. Klug's vision includes continuity and growth, focusing on dispelling stereotypes surrounding Japan.
Key facts
- Eric Klug assumed the presidency of Japan House São Paulo on April 1, 2020.
- He took office during the Covid-19 pandemic with the institution physically closed.
- Klug's immediate focus was intensifying JHSP's virtual programming through the JHSP online campaign.
- He previously led IDBrasil and was director of the British Council Brasil from 2011 to 2017.
- Klug draws parallels between the cultural diplomacy of the British Council and Japan House.
- Japan House São Paulo opened in 2017 and received over 2 million visitors in three years.
- The JHSP building on Avenida Paulista was designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma.
- Klug contrasts the Japanese government's investment in culture with current Brazilian federal cultural policies.
Entities
Artists
- Eric Klug
- Kengo Kuma
- Tadashi Kawamata
Institutions
- Japan House São Paulo (JHSP)
- IDBrasil – Organização Social
- Museu da Língua Portuguesa
- Museu do Futebol
- British Council Brasil
- arte!brasileiros
- Instituto Tomie Ohtake
- Paulista Cultural
Locations
- São Paulo
- Brazil
- Avenida Paulista
- Londres
- United Kingdom
- Los Angeles
- United States
- Japan
- Estonia
- Itaquera
- Jardins