A first-time visitor to 3331 Arts Chiyoda might be equally intrigued and confused. To the left of the entrance, there's a wide open space with only tables and chairs; in the center, a small booth with shelves stuffed with toys; to the right, a stylish cafe; and, around the corner, huge photos of expressionless faces.

"This is a new model for alternative arts," says Mitsunori Sakano, one of five artists who together conceived 3331, a community-based multidisciplinary arts center housed in a converted old school building. Sakano, along with Yuumi Shishido, Takuma Ishiyama and Tonomi Ohzone is a member of Command A, a company headed by artist Masato Nakamura, famous for his installation work and art projects through his nonprofit organization Command N.

The "new model" to which Sakano refers is twofold: 3331 is all about creativity that goes beyond conventional art, but it is also a new business model. Unlike many community-based projects, 3331 is not government funded; while it rents space from the city government, it is privately run.