About the Setouchi Triennale

The Setouchi Triennale takes place in the picturesque setting of the Seto Inland Sea.
Its theme is the Restoration of the Sea, and it aims to revitalize the island communities
that once thrived in this beautiful natural environment and to transform the region into a Sea of Hope.

Dates for Setouchi Triennale 2019

Spring Encounters

April 26 (Fri) to May 26 (Sun), 2019 (31 days)

Summer Gatherings

July 19 (Fri) to August 25 (Sun), 2019 (38 days)

Fall Expansions

September 28 (Sat) to November 4 (Mon), 2019 (38 days)

Summer Gatherings

July 19 (Fri) to August 25 (Sun), 2019 (38 days)

Fall Expansions

September 28 (Sat) to November 4 (Mon), 2019 (38 days)

Spring Encounters

April 26 (Fri) to May 26 (Sun), 2019 (31 days)

Concept

1. 1.

   Art and Architecture

   Art and architecture are powerful instruments for drawing people to the Setouchi region and allowing them to discover its distinct cultures, history and beautiful landscapes.

2. 2.

   Celebrating Local Identity

   Each community has its own unique identity rooted in its history and culture. This is reflected in local customs, arts, crafts, occupations, folklore, festivals, and architectural heritages that have been passed down for generations. The Triennale identifies and celebrates this diversity.

3. 3.

   Revitalizing Local Communities

   The Triennale explores opportunities to revitalize local communities through events that involve the local people and focus on the traditional lifestyles and local history preserved by island elders.

4. 4.

   Connecting Setouchi to the World

   The Triennale breathes new life into the Setouchi region by gathering people of all ages from diverse occupational fields and geographical regions to collaborate with local people in creating works of art.

5. 5.

   Incorporating the World's Wisdom

   The Triennale draws on the wisdom of people from both Japan and abroad in such fields as art, architecture, the performing arts, science, culture, philosophy and international exchange, to shine a light on regional cultures and serve as a beacon for local revitalization.

6. 6.

   Shaping the Future

   Children and young people, who will shape the region’s future, learn about this contemporary art festival and how it works while collaborating with people from all regions and generations.

7. 7.

   Locally Sustainable

   The Triennale is designed to inspire local initiatives and inter-island collaborations that continue year round and extend beyond the Triennale to other islands and communities, fostering locally sustained movements to restore the sea and revitalize the region.

Projects of Special Focus

• 

  Setouchi Resources x Artists

• 

  Setouchi Islands x Asia

• 

  Island Food x Culinary Artists

• 

  Multidisciplinary Performances

• 

  Connecting People and Communities