Biennials

4th Echigo-Tsumari
Art Triennial
26 July - 23 Sept. 2009

Location map

Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial
Japan

This project fundamentally distinguishes itself from other biennials or triennials. The largest international art event in Japan, it takes place not in a big city, but in a rural region of 762 km². Participants include stars of the international art scene, as well as emerging artists from around the world and numerous Japanese artists.

In cooperation with the local population, participants create site-specific works in rice paddies and forests, on riversides and mountainsides, along streets, in plazas and abandoned houses. In this way, they get to know the spirituality and hospitality of the people and a landscape which lie under a thick blanket of snow for 6 months out of the year. Many works remain permanently. In addition, there is the implementation of new architectural designs.

The triennial is part of an extensive 10-year development program for the region, the Art Necklace Project. It was begun in 1997 by 6 municipalities and the Niigata Prefecture, in order to make art and culture the motor behind the revitalization of a region which had remained apart from Japan's rapid development. However, it's not only about boosting tourism. Through interaction with artists from other places, the inhabitants' consciousness is meant to be awakened so that strength for a new beginning can come from their own culture and local traditions.

As General Director Fram Kitagawa wrote, the Echigo-Tsumari Triennial was conceived with the firm belief "that the landscape and the life of the people, both of which have been fostered with the blessing of nature since 5000 years ago, and the long relationship with the earth through agriculture are the most precious treasures of this region".

Organizer:

Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial Executive Committee

Website: www.echigo-tsumari.jp

Contact:

Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial Secretariat
Echigo-Tsumari: Tokamachi Regionwide Corporation
1-10 Oaza Kitashinden,
Tokamachi-shi, Niigata-ken,
948-0036 Japan

Tel.: 81 (0)257 57 2637
Fax: 81 (0)257 57 2285

Email: info@echigo-tsumari.jp

Tokyo: Art Front Gallery
Hillside Terrace A,
29-18 Sarugaku-cho,
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
150-0033 Japan

Phone: 81 (0)3 3476 4360
Fax: 81 (0)3 3476 4874

Email: tsumari@artfront.co.jp

3rd Triennial
23 July - 10 Sept. 2006

2nd Triennial
20 July - 7 Sept. 2003
Photo tour

1st Triennial
20 July - 10 Sept. 2000

Biennials