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Copyright © 2025 So. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright © 2025 Subtraction Records. All Rights Reserved.

Subject: Fujita House
Project: Brand Development for Historical Site Reconstruction

Phase 1. Definition
Chapter 3. The World of Private Clubs. A deep dive.




Overview
Types of Clubs
Operation
Case Studies

Social clubs come in various forms, each catering to distinct interests, demographics, or purposes. Below is a breakdown of the main types, including arts clubs, with a brief explanation of their focus and appeal

Operation

Operating a club—whether an arts club, social club, or any other type—involves a structured approach to management, member engagement, and sustainability. Below is an overview of the key components and processes involved in running a club effectively, tailored to a general framework that could apply to our potential Members’ Club in the historic Fujita House.  

1. Organizational Structure

Leadership: Establish a governing body (e.g., a board or committee) to oversee operations, set policies, and make strategic decisions. For an arts club, this might include a president, treasurer, events coordinator, and membership director.

Staff: Hire part-time and full-time staff (e.g., manager, superintendant, event planner) and rely on volunteers from the membership.

Legal Status: Register the club as a formal entity (e.g., nonprofit, private association, or business) to comply with local laws in Osaka, secure tax benefits, a bank account. Register IP (naming and trademarks).

2. Membership Management

Define eligibility (e.g., Osaka’s creative elite) and create an application process—recomendations, portfolio reviews, interviews, or referrals—to maintain quality and exclusivity.

Fees: Set membership dues (e.g., ¥50,000-¥200,000/year) based on market research, offering tiers (regular, out of town, associate) with varying perks (e.g., event access, private room use).

Retention: Keep members engaged with regular communication
(newsletters, social media) and exclusive benefits to reduce turnover.

3. Financial Operations

Revenue Streams:
Primary: Membership fees, restaurant, bar, and guest accommodations.
Secondary: Event ticket sales, space rentals for private functions, merchandise (e.g., prints, merch), or sponsorships from local businesses.

Budgeting: Allocate funds for utilities, maintenance (crucial for a historic property), staff wages, marketing, and events. Aim for self-sufficiency by balancing income and expenses.

Accounting: Track finances transparently using software, a full-time or part-time accountant, ensuring acountability for members (e.g., annual reports).

4. Facility Management

Space Usage: Divide the Fujita house into functional zones—e.g., a restaurant, bar, two guestrooms, a library (cigar room) a lounge for networking (drawing room), a garden, a quiet workspace, a gaming room, a tea room, a gallery for exhibitions and public events—while preserving its historical integrity.

Maintenance: Schedule regular upkeep (cleaning, repairs, landscaping) to protect the property, adhering to highest staandards and heritage guidelines.

Amenities: Provide essentials (Wi-Fi, seating, lighting) and arts-specific tools (tablets, projectors) without over-modernizing the traditional aesthetic.

5. Programming and Events

Regular Activities: Host monthly events like artist talks, workshops (e.g., calligraphy, tea ceremonies, collectors' auctions), or critique sessions to keep members active.

Special Events: Organize high-profile occasions—e.g., an annual gala, collaborative exhibitions with local galleries.

Scheduling: Balance frequency to avoid overburdening the space or members, using a calendar shared via an app, web or email.

6. Community Engagement

Internal: Foster a sense of belonging through member-led initiatives
(e.g., peer mentorship, project showcases, book signing launches, cocktail receptions, awards ceremonies).

External: Connect with Osaka’s creative scene by partnering with institutions, art schools, festivals, or businesses, and occasionally open events to the public to raise the awareness and outreach.

Outreach: Use social media, a web, local and global press to highlight member achievements and the club’s unique historical setting.

7. Rules and Policies

Code of Conduct: Set expectations for behavior (e.g., respect for the property, collaboration over competition, quality over hype, dress code, etc.) to maintain a positive friendly respectiful vibe.

Usage Guidelines: Define how members can book rooms, host events, or use resources to prevent conflicts.

Heritage Protection: Enforce rules to safeguard the house and exhibits (e.g., no food in certain areas, limited guest numbers, security).

8. Affiliate Program

Reciprocal Club Members enjoy outstanding service at reciprocal clubs around the globe.

Example from The National Arts Club in New York:

We are proud to partner with 31 reciprocal Clubs around the world. A list of our reciprocal clubs is provided below. Please feel free to visit them online for further information regarding dining and accommodations. If you wish to visit any of these clubs, please email us at least 72 hours in advance of your visit to the reciprocal Club and we'll provide you with a letter of introduction (LOI). NAC Members must be active and in good standing. It's that easy to start enjoying Clubs around the U.S. and the world.

Arts clubs have a rich history, emerging as gathering places for creative minds to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the arts. They began to take shape in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in Europe and North America, as the cultural landscape evolved and the middle class grew interested in artistic pursuits. One of the earliest notable examples is The Arts Club in London, founded in 1863 by luminaries like Charles Dickens and Lord Leighton. It was established as a haven for artists, writers, and patrons, fostering a space where the creative elite could mingle and exchange ideas, distinct from the more rigid social clubs of the era.

1. Arts Clubs

Focus: Dedicated to fostering creativity, collaboration, and appreciation
of the arts—visual arts, literature, music, theater, and more.
Purpose: Provide a space for artists, writers, musicians, and enthusiasts
to connect, share ideas, exhibit work, or participate in workshops.
Examples: The Arts Club (London, 1863), Salmagundi Club (New York, 1871), National Arts Club (1898).
Appeal: Attracts creative individuals seeking inspiration, networking,
and a sense of belonging in an artistic community.

2. Gentlemen’s Clubs

Focus: Historically male-only social spaces emphasizing leisure, networking,
and prestige.
Purpose: Originally for the upper class or professionals
(e.g., lawyers, politicians) to relax, dine, and conduct informal business.
Examples: White’s (London, 1693), Reform Club (London, 1836).
Appeal: Offers exclusivity and a refined atmosphere, though many
now admit women and have modernized.

3. Country Clubs

Focus: Recreational and social hubs centered around sports like golf,
tennis, or swimming, often with dining and event facilities.
Purpose: Combine leisure with social bonding for affluent families or individuals.
Examples: Augusta National Golf Club (USA, 1933),
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club (1891).
Appeal: Appeals to those who enjoy outdoor activities and a suburban
or rural retreat vibe.

4. Athletic or Sports Clubs

Focus: Promote physical fitness, competition, and camaraderie through
specific sports or general exercise.
Purpose: Offer facilities (e.g., gyms, fields) and organize events
or leagues for enthusiasts.
Examples: New York Athletic Club (1868), Corinthian Yacht Club (1886).
Appeal: Draws athletes, hobbyists, and health-conscious members
who value active lifestyles.

5. Professional Clubs

Focus: Networking and career development for individuals in specific
industries or professions (e.g., law, medicine, business).
Purpose: Facilitate mentorship, discussions, and business opportunities
in a relaxed setting.
Examples: Rotary Club (1905), City Club of Cleveland (1912).
Appeal: Suits ambitious professionals looking to expand their influence
and connections.

6. Hobby or Interest-Based Clubs

Focus: Unite people with shared passions, such as gardening, photography, gaming, or book reading.
Purpose: Encourage skill-sharing, discussion, and enjoyment of niche interests.
Examples: Garden Club of America (1913), local chess or book clubs.
Appeal: Welcomes enthusiasts of all levels, fostering tight-knit communities around specific topics.

7. Social Service Clubs

Focus: Community service and philanthropy, often with a social component.
Purpose: Raise funds, volunteer, and address societal needs while building member camaraderie.
Examples: Lions Club (1917), Kiwanis International (1915).
Appeal: Attracts altruists who want to make a difference while socializing.

8. Cultural or Ethnic Clubs

Focus: Celebrate and preserve specific cultural, national, or ethnic identities.
Purpose: Host events, share traditions, and strengthen community ties among members with shared heritage.
Examples: Italian American Club, Polish National Alliance (1880).
Appeal: Resonates with those seeking cultural pride or a connection
to their roots.

9. Political or Advocacy Clubs

Focus: Advance political ideologies, causes,
or policy goals through discussion and action.
Purpose: Mobilize like-minded individuals for debate, activism, or lobbying.
Examples: Young Republicans, Fabian Society (1884).
Appeal: Engages passionate individuals committed to shaping society
or politics.

10. University or Alumni Clubs

Focus: Social and networking spaces tied to academic institutions or their graduates.
Purpose: Maintain ties among students or alumni, often with intellectual or professional events.
Examples: Harvard Club of New York (1865), Oxford and Cambridge Club (1830).
Appeal: Draws students, alumni, and academics valuing lifelong
institutional bonds.

Arts Clubs in Context

Arts clubs stand out among these types for their emphasis on creativity and cultural enrichment. Unlike country clubs (focused on recreation) or professional clubs (career-driven), arts clubs prioritize artistic expression and intellectual exchange. They often blend elements of hobby clubs (shared passion) and social service clubs (community contribution), making them versatile and culturally significant. Historically, they’ve ranged from elite enclaves like The Arts Club to more inclusive spaces like local artist collectives, adapting to the needs of their era and members.

CANADA

The Arts and Letters
ClubToronto, Ontario, Canada
artsandlettersclub.ca

Club Saint-James de Montréal Montréal QC, Canada
stjamesclub.ca
The Calgary Petroleum ClubCalgary, Alberta, Canadacalpeteclub.com

Rideau Club
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
rideauclub.ca

AUSTRALIA

The Union, University &
Schools Club of Sydney
Sydney, Australia
uusc.com.au

AFRICA

The Pencil Club
Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa
thepencilclub.com

ASIA

Club Lusitano
Central, HongK
ongclublusitano.com

EUROPE

Chelsea Arts Club
London, England chelseaartsclub.com

The Century Club  
London, England          centuryclub.co.uk

The Groucho Club  
London, England thegrouchoclub.com

The Sloane Club
London, England sloaneclub.co.uk

The Travellers Club
London, England
thetravellersclub.org.uk

The National Liberal Club
London, England
nlc.org.uk

Gleneagles Townhouse
Edinburgh, Scotland gleneagles.com/townhouse

Glasgow Art Club
Glasgow, Scotland glasgowartclub.co.uk

The United Arts Club
Dublin, Irelanddublin
arts.com

El Círculo del LiceoLa Rambla, Barcelona, Spain circulodelliceo.es

Círculo Eça de Queiroz
Lisboa, Portugal
circuloecadequeiroz.com