UNITED KINGDOM

IFAC has proudly supported arts and culture throughout the United Kingdom since 2013. Along with our partnership with The British Museum sharing the Japanese Arts with millions of visitors from around the world, the Handa Gallery located upstairs at Wells Maltings’ recently restored heritage and community complex that hosts a series of exciting cultural events.


In November 2014, the British Museum was proud to host Captivating Calligraphy. The event explored the history of Japanese calligraphy, and the themes and ideas represented within the artwork of Dr Handa.

we support

The British Museum

From 2013 – 2019 IFAC and the British Museum engaged in a special partnership, working together towards the mutual aim of championing the art and culture of Japan, and sharing its beauty with the 6 million people who visit the British Museum each year.

During the partnership IFAC Handa Curator of Japanese Arts, Nicole Rousmaniere carried out vital work enriching the collection and sharing it with an international audience.

Nicole also worked on special exhibitions including the acclaimed blockbuster Hokusai: beyond the great and the Manga exhibition, which explored the global phenomenon and fascinating artform of Manga.

WELLS MALTINGS

Wells Maltings is North Norfolk’s landmark cultural centre. This centre boasts the bright, spacious Handa Gallery which is home to an array of activities and events, from art exhibitions, talks and classes to craft fairs and markets. This brand new arts, heritage and community complex hosts an array of exciting events such as music, film, drama, dance, comedy, art, poetry, heritage, talks, family and community activities.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

NILESH PATEL

SIR TIM LANKESTER

Chairman, IFAC UK


Formerly: private secretary to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher; Director of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London; President of Corpus Christi College, Oxford University; Permanent Secretary, UK Overseas Development Administration.

The International Foundation for Arts and Culture (IFAC) is the charity through which the Japanese philanthropist, Dr Haruhisa Handa, has funded multiple arts projects over the past three decades.

In my role as Chair of the Trustees of IFAC (UK), I would like to highlight Dr Handa’s support over many years for the world-renowned Richard Alston Dance Company; the curatorship in Japanese art at the British Museum and the research fellowship in Japanese archeology at the Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Culture that he funded; and his generous donation towards the creation of a superb new arts centre in Norfolk.

Dr Handa deserves our heart-felt thanks for all that he has done for arts in the U.K.

latest news & events

HANDA Gallery at Wells Maltings reopens with Tim Reeds Norfolk Skies 900 600 Ellie

HANDA Gallery at Wells Maltings reopens with Tim Reeds Norfolk Skies

After UK’s long awaited return to the arts & cultural facilities following UK lockdowns, the Handa Gallery at Wells Maltings will reopen on 17th May with Tim Reed’s exhibition of Norfolk Skies.

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‘Inspired by Wells’ at the Handa Gallery, Wells Maltings 900 600 Ellie

‘Inspired by Wells’ at the Handa Gallery, Wells Maltings

A joint exhibition by local artists Linda Pattrick and John Richter celebrating Wells-Next-The-Sea and our surrounding landscape.

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