Eaves of a building used as a display space
Community-based development projects incorporating art first began to gain popularity throughout Japan in the late 1990s. Community leaders throughout the country felt that “art,” as a construct, offered potential in terms of being a catalyst by which community-based rejuvenative forces would be triggered. Artists who aspired to make their work more publicly-accessible benefitted through such community-based development projects, these projects allowing artists to both present their work in more familiar locations and also expand the range of people exposed to their art. For both persons focused on community-based development and artists, such projects represent a fountain of refreshing and productive ideas. The main venues used in the KARAHORI-machi-art Project are the shopping streets of Karahori. With the blessing of the community, about 50 individual artists and artistic groups display work at stores and residences throughout the area. Visitors can duck into a cafe or explore backstreet alleys with a map in hand, enjoying the local streetscapes and works of art simultaneously. Many artists who have participated in the event say they enjoyed receiving direct feedback to their work from members of the public. Some have become regular exhibitors at the event. There have been other artists who have adopted a more interactive approach to displaying their talents, resorting to activities such as drawing portraits on the street and conversing with members of the public.
Last year, despite adverse weather conditions, the two-day event attracted approximately 10,000 people to the Karahori area.
It should also be noted that staff members supporting the event vary greatly, both in terms of age and professional background. Such diversity among these people highlights how the event has come to be strongly supported by the local community.
Naoto Arima, a Karahori resident and Chairman of the KARAHORI-machi-art Project Executive Committee, answered some questions regarding the event:
