About the Setouchi Triennale
The Setouchi Triennale, also known as the Setouchi International Art Festival, is a celebrated contemporary art festival held every three years across the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. First launched in 2010, it showcases artistic works in unique rural and coastal settings.
Festival Venues and Impact
Key sites include Naoshima, Inujima, and Teshima, where the Benesse Corporation has established art projects. These islands have become central to the region’s recognition as a hub for contemporary art.
Revitalizing Regional Japan
Facing challenges like depopulation and an aging population, the Triennale uses art and tourism to rejuvenate the Seto Inland Sea islands in a sustainable and creative manner.
Artworks and Experiences
Spread across twelve islands and ports like Takamatsu and Uno, the festival features permanent installations and temporary exhibits. Artworks utilize unique spaces, including fields, coastlines, villages, and repurposed buildings, blending art with the islands’ rustic beauty.
Admission Options
Passports from previous festivals include options like 3-session passes (5000 yen) and 1-day passes (1800 yen). Special rates are available for teenagers, and children under 15 enjoy free entry. Certain attractions like the Chichu Museum and Teshima Art Museum require separate admission fees.
Hours of Operation
Outdoor installations are accessible anytime, while indoor artworks typically operate between 10:00 and 16:30. Some exhibits may have specific closures on select days during the festival.
How to Get There
Access to the festival sites is convenient via ports like Takamatsu or Uno. Direct ferries to major islands like Shodoshima are available, and connections from cities like Tokyo or Osaka make travel straightforward.