In the summer of 2010 there are two art festivals to note in Japan.
The first one is Setouchi International Art Festival from July 19. It will be held on the seven islands of the Setouchi Inland Sea and Takamatsu City (Kagawa Prefecture in the Shikoku region). It is a collaboration projects of artists and local residents. Renowned Japanese and international artist will participate to help revitalize the local communities of the islands that have rich heritage and beautiful natural environment.
The most well-known of the islands is Naoshima, which is known as an island of art. Chichu Museum, a contemporary art museum displays permanent collections of works of Claude Monet, James Turrell and Walter de Maria. The white building half-buried underground (that's where the name chichu "in the ground" comes from) was designed by a renowned architect Tadao Ando. The island also has Benesse House, which is a combination of design hotel and another contemporary art museum. The view of the ocean and art installations in the garden will make an inspiring stay.
While the event in Setouchi shows art and nature, the other one focuses more on art and cities. Aichi Triennale 2010 from August 21 will be held in Nagoya City Art Museum and other venues in Aichi Prefecture. It has international contemporary exhibition, dance, music and theater performances.
The two festivals will continue through to October 31. It will be interesting to see the contrast.
