Imagination as a Form of Capital

Kyoto prefecture continues to refine its previous art projects encapsulating the history, natural features, tangible cultural properties, scenic spots, landscapes, areas abundant in nature, and the culture of everyday ife in its designated tourism areas, Kyoto by the Sea (prefecture North), Woodland Kyoto (prefecture central), and Kyoto Tea Country (prefecture South).

This year Alternative Kyoto will be redefined as an art festival to explore the possibilities that imaginative art has as a new currency; possibilities that may change the future of our society. Twenty-nine participating artists and groups including Ryoji Ikeda, SHIMABUKU, Kenji Yanobe will unfold their works in six cities in the prefecture. 

This project aims to implement initiatives promoting local culture to both the Japanese and international audiences driving both international tourism and the revitalization of local economies. It involves the creation of spaces using digital art bringing together outlying culture with the latest in technology, and the exhibition of contemporary art works utilizing artist-in-residence programs incorporating local cultural resources.

Read the full press release here.

Overview of the six cities:
Kyotango, Kyoto by the Sea (prefecture North)
Participating artists: SIDE CORE / Kenta Ishige / Ryosuke Tanaka / Kai Maetani/ Ray Washio / BIEN / DAISAK + NTsKi +  Koharu Kawakatsu

Miyazu Amanohashidate, Kyoto by the Sea (prefecture North)
Participating artists: Mamiko Hirai / Shiho Nagamachi / Marihiko Hara /Ryo Shiraki / Kenji Yanobe / Ryoji Ikeda

Yosano, Kyoto by the Sea (prefecture North)
Participating artists: ANOTHER FARM

Fukuchiyama, Kyoto by the Sea (prefecture North) and Woodland Kyoto (prefecture central)
Participating artists: Tadashi  Mitani/ Yamanaka Suplex / Hyslom (Special online exhibition)

Nantan, Woodland Kyoto (prefecture central)
Participating artists: Yu Araki / Kano Kamegawa / Yui Kuroki / Wataru Koyama / Harue Yamada / Yang Qinhua

Yawata, Kyoto Tea Country (prefecture South)
Participating artists: Ryuichi Ishikawa / Kyosuke Sasaki / Kyohei Fujio / Kazuyuki Miyamoto / SHIMABUKU

Press inquiries: Yoshiko Nawa (Relay Relay LLP.), nawa [​at​] relayrelay.net