Japan’s Art Islands
Why visit
The ‘Art Islands’ are in Japan’s Inland Sea, which lies between the main islands of Honshu and Shikoku. The islands have become increasingly attractive to visitors since the first Setouchi International Art Festival (www.setouchi-artfest.jp/en) in 2010, and they are currently on many art lovers’ ‘bucket lists’.
The Setouchi festival covers just over 100 days and is spread across three seasons – spring, summer and autumn – and 12 islands, as well as the port cities of Takamatsu and Uno. It was established to address issues arising from massive depopulation in recent decades due to lack of job opportunities.
Bringing contemporary art and architecture to the islands – along with performing arts and exhibitions of local crafts, local cuisine and traditional culture – the festival has provided residents with meaningful work, encouraging young people to remain while,
