| |
|
|
|
ENMA (acronym of the Eastside Nihon Matsuri Association) is a non-profit
organization staffed by a team of community minded volunteers
who are interested in preserving and furthering the arts and
crafts of Japan for the enjoyment of all community members in
the Greater Seattle area.
The
objectives and purposes for this corporation are educational and
cultural in nature. The organization was established solely for
charitable purposes.
The Eastside Nihon Matsuri Association (ENMA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit
corporation registered in the State of Washington, and is granted
tax-exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service. ENMA raises funds
for matsuri activites primarily through the generous financial and
in-kind support of Sponsors sharing a like interest in preserving
and nuturing the Cultural Arts of Japan for the community-at-large.
Without their support we would be unable to continue the tradition
of an Aki Matsuri. Other sources of income and support are through
individual donation, selling T-shirts, advertisements in our Matsuri
Program, sale of raffle tickets, and we do charge an admission for
certain Performing Art Programs. We strive to bring as many activities
to the public "free of charge" as we can.
|
|
| Organizational
Mission & Vision Statement |
- Build
improved personal and community relationships through the
understanding of Japan's rich culture
- Encourage
a wider participation in the Arts and Crafts of Japan
- Provide
a meeting place for the community-at-large to observe and
participate in Japan related educational and cultural activities
- Provide
a forum for the continuation and practice of Japanese art
forms for the benefit of the artists and artisans
- Provide
a "Japanese Style" community event for the enjoyment
of the Japanese expatriates
|
|
 |
- Increased
awareness and participation in Japan related educational
and cultural events
- Continued
strong presence of Japanese related arts and cultural activities
- A
diverse population engaged in the observance and practice
of Japanese arts forms
- Increased
exchange between citizens of Japan and America through the
arts
- Maintain
the "purity" of the art forms through understanding,
exchange, and practice
- Improved
mutual understanding and appreciation of cultures between
citizens of Japan and America
|
|
ENMA began as an ad hoc group of community minded volunteers in 1998.
For the nine (9) years prior to 1998 a group of volunteer's known
as the "Japan Week in Bellevue Committee" presented a Japanese Style
Festival. The group announced their intention to suspend operations
following the 1997 festival. Leaders in the Greater Seattle Japanese
Community encouraged a continuation of the festival (matsuri) offering
their support. We accepted the challenge to present a fall matsuri
for the 1998 season changing the name to the Eastside Nihon Matsuri
Association. We
operated under the auspices of the Lake Washington Japanese American
Citizens League in 1998, and again in 1999. Recognizing the community's
interest in continuing this tradition of a fall matsuri that is complementary to the Seattle Cherry Blossom Festival
held in the spring brought about the
realization that incorporation as a tax exempt non-profit organization
would be advantageous for the purposes of recruiting volunteers, focusing
effort, and gaining financial support.
ENMA received a Certificate of Incorporation from the Secretary of
State, State of Washington on July 11, 2000, and a Letter of Determination
from the IRS October 16, 2000 declaring ENMA exempt from federal income
tax under section 501 (a) of the Internal Tax Code.
|
|
|
