Nagahama International Art Festival 2025 Event Report
Introduction
The Nagahama International Art Festival 2025 was held for the first time in Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture.
The venue was the historic Keiunkan guest house, built in the Meiji era. This historic building was originally constructed to welcome Emperor Meiji on his visit, and is usually enjoyed by locals and tourists alike, along with its garden.
The Keiunkan has now been transformed into a contemporary art museum, providing a special platform for local people to meet with artists from Japan and abroad.
Artist in Residence
A major feature of this year's art festival is the Artist in Residence program.
In preparation for their presentations at the art festival, participating artists, including those from overseas, stayed in Nagahama City, living and creating their works together.
They spent their days eating together, walking around the area, and occasionally discussing ideas with each other. These times naturally led to interaction, and the atmosphere of Nagahama was infused into the work.
Many surprises gather in Nagahama
Eleven artists from countries including the UK, Italy, Spain and Japan participated, exhibiting approximately 40 works.
The exhibition featured avant-garde works that you wouldn't normally see in Nagahama, such as sculptures made from Japanese paper, works with Buddhist statue motifs, and spatial exhibits using tapestries and folding screens.
Workshop with children
During the period, an experiential exchange workshop will also be held for local children.
Under the guidance of overseas artists, the children tried their hand at creating artwork using paints and other materials.
The moment was filled with smiles from the children, who said, "It's fun to communicate feelings through art even without words!"
Artist's voice
Hetty Laycock (UK)
"Using leaves I collected during my stay, I was able to challenge myself to create new forms while facing nature."Pep Camps (Spain)
"I was inspired by the mountains and rural landscapes of Nagahama, and created a piece incorporating Japanese clothing designs."
Message from the Mayor
The Mayor of Nagahama said the following at the opening ceremony:
"This art festival is a place where we can take pride in Nagahama's culture and history, interact with people from Japan and abroad, and create new value together. We want to make Nagahama an even more attractive city."
Thoughts from the organizers
Nonki Nishimura, the representative of "AT ARTS", which planned the art festival, said,
"It is especially important in these times of international uncertainty to foster exchanges across borders through art. I hope that works from different perspectives will provide an opportunity for people to get to know each other."
He looks back and says, ``
Music and Cultural Exchange
On the weekend, mini concerts were held featuring musicians from China, Canada, the UK, and Poland, allowing visitors to enjoy a time where art and music came together.
The venue was bustling with activity as a place for international cultural exchange.
Visitor comments
"It's refreshing to be able to experience art from around the world in Nagahama."
"I was able to talk directly with the artist and learn about the background of his work."
"I was happy that the children enjoyed the experience of making art together."
Hoping for the next time and heading to Jogon-in Temple
Many of the works exhibited at this art festival will also be shown at the sister art festival, the Jogon-in International Art Festival.
The interactions and works nurtured in Nagahama will lead to the next stage.
Anticipation for the next event has risen, with many saying they would like to visit again.
Conclusion
The Nagahama International Art Festival 2025 was a valuable opportunity to expand exchanges through art, from artists living together to experiences with children.
This initiative, which connects hearts across borders and generations, will continue to spread the charm of Nagahama to the world.