The History of the Setouchi Triennale

The Setouchi Triennale, first held in 2010, is a contemporary art festival that has become a pioneering initiative combining regional revitalization with art. 

Hosted on the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, it has drawn attention for addressing the challenges of depopulation and aging through the power of creativity.

 Below is an overview of its evolution and achievements.

1.The 1st Edition (2010): The Birth of a New Era

Theme: Restoration of the Sea
Venues: 7 islands (Naoshima, Teshima, Shodoshima, Oshima, Megijima, Ogijima, and Inujima) and Takamatsu City

・The inaugural edition aimed to rediscover the value of the region’s history, culture, and natural environment through art, while raising the profile of the islands.

・Despite its ambitious goals, the festival attracted approximately 930,000 visitors, marking a resounding success.

・Naoshima, which had already gained recognition for its contemporary art projects in collaboration with local companies, played a pivotal role in the festival’s success.

2.The 2nd Edition (2013): Expansion and Diversity

Theme: The Islands Are Art
New Venues: Ibukijima, Honjima, Awashima, Shishijima, and more, expanding to 12 islands

・This edition emphasized the unique identities of each island and introduced a three-season format: spring, summer, and autumn.

・Seasonal programming showcased the islands’ diverse attractions throughout the year.

・Attracting over 1.1 million visitors, it further elevated the festival’s global profile.

3. The 3rd Edition (2016): Embracing Nature

Theme: Nature by the Shore

・This edition highlighted environmental conservation and sustainability, featuring numerous artworks addressing these themes.

・Exhibitions harmonized with the natural environment, bridging the past, present, and future of the islands.

・The steady flow of visitors underscored the festival’s contribution to regional economic revitalization.

4.The 4th Edition (2019): Preserving Cultural Memories

Theme: Memories of the Islands, Futures of the Sea

・More artworks utilized historical buildings and local resources, emphasizing the preservation and transmission of the islands’ culture and history.

・The collaboration between residents and artists deepened, resulting in more community-centered exhibitions.

・Attracting a record 1.16 million visitors, it became the festival’s most successful edition to date.

5.The 5th Edition (2022): Recipes for Coexistence

Theme: Recipes for Coexistence

・Held amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival adopted stringent safety measures and incorporated online exhibitions and virtual tours.

・Focused on coexistence among the environment, society, and culture, the festival featured forward-looking artworks addressing these themes.

・It experimented with a hybrid format, blending in-person experiences with digital participation.

6.The Significance and Achievements of the Setouchi Triennale

The Setouchi Triennale is more than an art event; it is a model for successful regional revitalization and tourism promotion. Its accomplishments include:

・Regional Revitalization: By showcasing the islands as art venues, the festival has boosted their profile and revitalized local economies.

・International Recognition: The Seto Inland Sea has become a global hub for contemporary art, attracting prominent artists and visitors from around the world.

・Community Empowerment: Residents have rediscovered pride in their culture and history through the festival’s initiatives.

7.Looking Ahead

Future editions of the Setouchi Triennale must address challenges such as environmental preservation and sustainable development.

Establishing mechanisms for ongoing regional growth beyond the festival itself will also be crucial.

The islands of the Seto Inland Sea continue to demonstrate how art can transform the future, making their journey a source of inspiration for the world.