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Akiyoshidai International Artists Village

The instigator for my trip to Yamaguchi was the Akiyoshidai International Artists Village. I have had my eye on it for some time, and decided to take the opportunity to pay them a visit and see what it is that they do.

I was fortunate to be in Yamaguchi at the time of their “end of residency” event. This event was an exhibition and artist’s talk by the residents who had been been working there during January and February. Six artists from around the globe presented their work - predominantly young conceptual artists - who were all responding to the environmental features of the Yamaguchi area.

The building where the residence work and stay is beautiful. It is very large, but nestled amongst the mountains and forest, it doesn’t dominate the landscape. It offers spacious, light filled working areas for the artists, which double as interesting display spaces for the exhibition. Translators had been organised for the artist talks, and following the viewing of the work, a generously catered dinner function was held in the adjacent building to allow visitors to talk further with the artists and with other attendees.

It is obviously a well funded, well run, very considered project - and as it places emphasis on working closely with nature, it is definitely one to keep in mind for future projects.


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