SIAF2027
January 16–February 21, 2027
The Sapporo International Art Festival (SIAF) is a festival held once every three years at various locations throughout Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, including public facilities, parks, and underground spaces.
SIAF2027, to be held for 37 days from January 16 to February 21, 2027 in frosty winter Sapporo, will reimagine the entire city of Sapporo as a single planet—Planet Snow—under the theme of PLANET SNOW—upas mintar / upas nociw. The theme can be expressed with two phrases in the Ainu language. For those who live in Sapporo, Planet Snow is upas mintar (snow garden), and for those visiting afar, it is upas nociw (snow star).
The driving force behind SIAF2027 will be a "multiplication" of art and various fields—such as technology, science, history, and fashion—using snow as a starting point to expand your imagination beyond Earth and into the universe.
The venues that make up SIAF2027 span 11 locations, including museums, parks, and even an aquarium. With a lineup of 34 artists and nine partners weaving the stories, Sapporo's everyday features and facilities will transform into those of Planet Snow, inviting you to an imagined world.
In addition, special programs that extend into the night, hands-on workshops, and events featuring a wide range of guests will change your experience on Planet Snow into a more multidimensional one.
Planet Snow is a planet envisioned by the SIAF2027 team, including artists, partners, curators, and directors. The ones paving the way are the visitors travelling it. Explore the world and stories of Planet Snow and expand your imagination.
Concepts, artists, and partners of each venue
PLANET SNOW: Starting Point—Sapporo Citizens Gallery
Artists: Aramaki Haruka, Cecilia Bengolea, Fanja Bouts, Chen Xi, Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg, Kawakami Rie, Akkarawin Krairiksh, Mori Yuka, The Observatory, Frode Oldereid and Thomas Kvam, Bagus Pandega, shigechanland (Onishi Shigenari), Wakaki Kurumi
PLANET SNOW: Science Center—Sapporo Science Center
Artists: Hotehama Taku, Kuribayashi Takashi, Boris Labbé, Utsumi Akiko, Wada Nagara
PLANET SNOW: Museum—Hokkaido Museum
Artists: Hiwa Kazuhiko, Ishiguro Hiroshi / Future of Life Laboratory, Mayunkiki
PLANET SNOW: Pyramid—Moerenuma Park
Artists: fragmentin, Nakazato Yuima
Official Partner: Dialogue on Art and Technology (DAT)
PLANET SNOW: School—Shiryokan (Former Sapporo Court of Appeals)
Artists: Akimoto Sanae, Fujimori, God Scorpion, Satake Maki
Initiative Partner: Wacom Co., Ltd.
PLANET SNOW: City Hall—Chuo Ward Office Complex
Artist: Iwai Toshio
PLANET SNOW: Information Center—Sapporo Cultural Arts Community Center (SCARTS)
Initiative Partners: Kokuyo Co., Ltd., Sony Group Corporation
Official Partner: Japan Graphic Design Association Inc. Hokkaido Branch (JAGDA Hokkaido)
PLANET SNOW: Plaza—Sapporo Snow Festival Odori Site
Artist: Eness
Initiative Partner: Nikken Sekkei Ltd
PLANET SNOW: Art Museum—Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art
Artists: Artists from the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art Collection
PLANET SNOW: Underpass—Sapporo Odori 500-m Underground Walkway Gallery
Artists: Onishi Yasuaki, Suzuki Yuya
PLANET SNOW: Aquarium—AOAO SAPPORO
Artists: Ada Suikei Creators, Eness
Projects
Artists: Hiwa Kazuhiko, LAUSBUB
Initiative Partners: Arukikata. Co., Ltd., Nikkei Inc., Startbahn, Inc.
Official festival trailer with SIAF2027’s theme song, holo, written by LAUSBUB, a new wave techno-pop band based in Sapporo.
Sapporo International Art Festival 2027
Theme: PLANET SNOW—upas mintar / upas nociw
Director Team: Ogawa Hideaki (Artistic Director), Hosokawa Asami (Festival Director), Urushi Takahiro (School Director), Maruta Tomoaki (Studio Director)
Advisor: Yamazaki Naoko
Dramaturg: Kanazawa Kodama (Planet Snow Narrative Lead)
Curators: Kanazawa Kodama (Sapporo Citizens Gallery Venue Curator), Nishi Tsubasa (Sapporo Science Center Venue Curator), Isogai Nayuta (Sapporo Science Center), Suzuki Akiyo (Hokkaido Museum), Takemura Asumi (Hokkaido Museum), Mizushima Miki (Hokkaido Museum), Sonobe Yoko (Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art), Cai Contemporary Art Institute/CAI03 & General Incorporated Association PROJECTA (Sapporo Odori 500-m Underground Walkway Gallery)
Ainu Culture Coordinator: Mayunkiki
Art Director & Designer: Wabisabi, Shirai Hiroaki
Main Visual: Onishi Shigenari (shigechanland) [photography / calligraphy / character]
Organizers: Sapporo International Art Festival Executive Committee, City of Sapporo
Press contact
Sapporo International Art Festival Executive Committee
Sapporo Tokeidai Bldg. 10F, Kita 1-jo Nishi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-0001, Japan
T +81-11-211-2314 / press@siaf.jp
