Asia-Capability Delegation for VIC Multi-Arts professionals

Asia-Capability Delegation in Japan 2015Members of the Asialink/New Zealand Foundation delegation to Japan, Echigo Tsumari Art Triennale 2015 with the Australian Ambassador Mr Bruce Miller. Photo: Australian Embassy, Tokyo.

This year through Asialink’s Arts Residency Laboratory, which trials new models of residencies, four members of performing arts group Snuff Puppets (VIC) undertook an intensive one-month residency at Australia House in Niigata Prefecture, Japan. The group worked with the local community to build large-scale puppets that was showcased during the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale (ETAT). ETAT is a triennial international arts festival that uses art as a tool to draw attention to the declining economy and ageing population of the region. This residency project was built on Asialink’s participation in the Fukutake House Asia Art Platform, Setouchi Triennale 2013, and was supported by Art Front Gallery, the Australia-Japan Foundation and the Australian Embassy, Tokyo.

Asialink facilitated a delegation for Victorian arts professionals to Tokyo and ETAT during the time of Snuff Puppets’ key performances. The delegation encompassed a combination of compulsory meetings and self-guided tours, and ran alongside a delegation for New Zealand visual arts curators organised by the Asia-New Zealand Foundation. The purpose of the trip was to research and develop professional networks and partnerships culminating in a series of reciprocal projects for future delivery, including 2016. The aim was to provide participants with the confidence and capacity to work in and with Japan in a meaningful and ongoing manner, and enhance the Asia-capability of the arts and cultural sector for urban and regional Victoria.

Key Dates
* 23 July – 27 August: Snuff Puppets Residency in Japan
* 26 July – 13 September: Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale
* 9 – 17 August: Delegation in Tokyo and Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale
* 14 – 15 August: Snuff Puppets Roaming performances during community ‘Obon’ festivals
* 16 August: Snuff Puppets Major performance at Noh Butai

More Information

Louise Joel

+61 3 9035 9605

  • Arts