The Setouchi Asia Forum, which has been held multiple times at both the Setouchi Triennale and the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, will take place this time during the Setouchi Triennale 2025, over two days on Friday, October 3 and Sunday, October 5.
The Setouchi Asia Forum started during the 2016 Setouchi Triennale as a project for individuals engaged in community development through art and culture across Asia to gather, share experiences, and build lasting relationships. Later, through its collaboration with the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, the network expanded to various projects, including MAD Architects from China realizing Tunnel of Light at the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel.
Amidst deepening environmental crises and divisions, the power of art rooted in nature and local culture is gaining increasing attention. The Setouchi Triennale practices regional revitalization through art, achieved through collaboration between residents and artists, and supporters worldwide. Its philosophy is spreading across Asia. Amidst the escalating conflicts and refugee crises in places like Ukraine and Gaza, the role of art as a symbol of hope and coexistence is being questioned. From the islands of Setouchi, we will expand dialogue and connections through art, reaching across Asia and the wider world.
Opening Forum on Friday, October 3
- Date and Time: Friday, 3 October 2025, 15:00～18:00
- Venue: Takamatsu Symbol Tower Exhibition Hall / Online
- Capacity: [On-site] 200 people [Online] Unlimited
- Fee: [On-site Participation] Advance 500 yen / On the day 1,000 yen (500 yen with passport presentation) / Free for high school students and younger
[Online Viewing] \500
*Simultaneous interpretation (Japanese and English) will be provided for both on-site and online viewing. On-site attendees may use simultaneous interpretation receivers.
[Part 1]
- Keynote Lecture: “Culture in Active Tectonic Islands”
Kazuo Oike (Earth Scientist / Former President of Kyoto University) - Lecture: “Explore the Origins of Art from Kukai”
Reiji Ando (Literary Critic / Professor at Tama Art University) - Lecture: “The Philosophy behind the Setouchi Triennale”
Fram Kitagawa (General Director of the Setouchi Triennale)
[Part 2]
- Lecture: “Report from Palestine”
Amer Shomali (Artist / Director of the Palestinian Museum) - Lecture: “Art Networks in Asia”
David Teh (Artistic Director of the Thailand Biennale 2025) - Reports from Artists [3 min×10 people]
・Aoki Noe [Japan]
・Jompet Kuswidananto [Indonesia]
・Jakkai Siributr [Thailand]
・Pangrok Sulap [Malaysia]
・Tuan Mami [Vietnam]
・Jenna Lee [Australia]
・Zigeng Wang [China]
・Cloud Gate Dance Theatre [Taiwan] *Video
・Raqs Media Collective [India] *Video
・Kidlat Tahimik [Philippines] *Video - Message: “The very first one on the island”
Natsuki Ikezawa (Author)
Closing Forum on Sunday, October 5
- Date and Time: Sunday, 5 October 2025, 10:00～12:00
- Venue: Lexum Hall, Multi-purpose Conference Room ‘Tamamo’
- Capacity: [On-site] 100 people
- Fee: [On-site Participation] Advance 500 yen / On the day 1,000 yen (500 yen with passport presentation) / Free for high school students and younger
*Simultaneous interpretation (Japanese and English) will be provided.
- Presentations from each sub-session team
Themes
① Art as “Festival” and “Body”: Presenter: Reiji Ando
② The Divided World and Art: Presenter: Shunya Yoshimi
③ Regional Culture and Art: Presenter: David Teh - Question and Answer Session
- Summary
How to Participate
[On-site Participation]
Download the official Setouchi Triennale 2025 app.
Purchase an event ticket through the app and present it at the venue, or register on-site on the day of the event.
[Online Viewing]
Download the official Setouchi Triennale 2025 app.
Purchase an “Online Viewing” ticket through the app, then access the event via the viewing URL that will be sent to you.
For inquiry
| Tel | 087-813-0865 |
|---|---|
| info@setouchi-artfest.jp |
Articles
Stay connected with the ETAT official social media to receive the latest news and event information, and the many seasonal faces of Echigo-Tsumari as well as new issue of the ETAT official media, “Art from the Land”.
