Activities | Shinshu International Art District

Matsushiro Contemporary Art Festival

The "Matsushiro Contemporary Art Festival" began in 2002, triggered by the World Cup co-hosted by Japan and Korea. It started as a "Contemporary Art Workshop" special course at Shinshu University, exploring the history and memory of a specific place from an artistic perspective — a site-specific endeavor.

This event invited artists from Japan and Korea, with active audience participation. It was intended to be a one-time event but continued the following year at Korean artists' request and has been held ever since.

In 2004, in collaboration with École de Matsushiro Club, it became the "Matsushiro Contemporary Art Festival," gradually expanding venues and growing as a cross-disciplinary event. Since 2018, it has been held jointly with the Shinano-no-Kunigenshokan Art Festival, further expanding activities.

Now in its 18th edition, it includes artists from China and Korea as a tri-national exhibition. The Shinshu International Art District Association was established to support the festival. We aim to continue growing and adapting to the fluidity of contemporary art while expecting future development.

Festival Features

International exchange: Japanese, Chinese, and Korean artists gather and exchange cultures through their works.
Site-specific: Works rooted in the history and culture of Matsushiro.
Participatory: Audiences can participate in workshops and experience art.
Diverse expressions: Various art forms such as painting, sculpture, installation, and performance are presented.

Overview

Name	Matsushiro Contemporary Art Festival
Editions	18th (2023)
Period	Every summer (July-August)
Venue	Matsushiro, Nagano City (around Matsushiro Castle Park)
Participating Countries	Japan, China, Korea
Organizer	Shinshu International Art District

Matsushiro Contemporary Art Festival

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Shinshu International Contemporary Art Exchange

Asian contemporary art provides deep insight into Asian cultural identity through unique visual expressions and diverse social and cultural backgrounds. Asian artists face differences between Eastern and Western cultures and histories, geographical, religious, and ethnic differences, and the modernity of art continues to evolve.

The "China-Japan-Korea International Contemporary Art Exchange" aims to provide a platform for Asian artists to dialogue on common issues, re-evaluate Asian cultural identity, and build a community of shared destiny for all humankind.

The "China-Japan-Korea International Contemporary Art Exchange" features artists from China, Japan, and Korea, focusing on Eastern cultural spirit to provide new perspectives on Asian art.

Purpose

Cultural exchange: Japanese, Chinese, and Korean artists deepen cultural exchange through their works.
Dialogue platform: Provides a space for Asian artists to discuss common issues.
New perspective: Focusing on Eastern cultural spirit to offer new viewpoints on Asian art.
International network: Build an international network for contemporary art in Asia.

Exhibition Contents

The exhibition displays contemporary artworks: paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs, and videos. Invited Japanese, Chinese, and Korean artists present works reflecting their cultural backgrounds.

Overview

Name	Shinshu International Contemporary Art Exchange
Editions	2nd (planned 2025)
Period	Once a year (around spring)
Venue	Nagano Prefectural Museum of Art, etc.
Participating Countries	Japan, China, Korea
Organizer	Shinshu International Art District

Shinshu International Contemporary Art Exchange

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Other Activities

Workshops

We hold art workshops open to all ages. Under guidance of professional artists, participants can experience various techniques including painting, sculpture, and crafts.

Artist-in-Residence

We invite artists from Japan and abroad to create works while residing in Matsushiro. During their stay, we also hold community interaction events and open studios.

Lectures & Symposia

We host lectures and symposia on contemporary art to provide opportunities to learn about the latest trends and theories. Renowned artists and curators from Japan and abroad are invited as speakers.

Education & Outreach

We run art appreciation programs for schools and local communities. We introduce the joy of art to children and foster creative thinking.

Inquiries about Activities

Please contact us for event details or participation information.

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