Art connects people and towns to the future
Koganecho Area Management Center x Artists
The NPO "Koganecho Area Management Center," which started in 2009 with the vision of "community development through art," has been working to revitalize the Koganecho area after a mass crackdown on illegal sex establishments. We spoke with Secretary-General Shingo Yamano and artist Risa Tsunegi, who is participating in their artist-in-residence program, to find out what kind of initiatives they have undertaken.
Transforming a former entertainment district into an art town.
Until a few years before the establishment of the NPO Koganecho Area Management Center (hereinafter referred to as KAMC), the area around Koganecho was known as an entertainment district. Along the elevated railway line between Koganecho Station and Hinodecho Station on the Keihin Kyuko Line, there were approximately 250 establishments catering to the purpose of prostitution and other such activities, and the deterioration of the living environment was a major problem. In 2005, the Kanagawa Prefectural Police carried out a mass crackdown on these establishments, known as "Operation Bye-Bye." Shingo Yamano, the secretary-general of KAMC, recalls that time as follows:
"The crackdown in 2005 was successful, but it resulted in a lot of vacant houses, turning the area into something like a ruin. As they considered what to do with these vacant houses, the idea began to utilize them in a way that would improve the town's image through culture and art."
Originally, Ms. Yamano worked on creating exhibitions in non-exhibition spaces. In 2008, she visited Koganecho as the person in charge of an art event planned as a stepping stone to revitalizing the town. Using the "town center" of the Koganecho area, including a newly built studio under the elevated railway and vacant shops on the main street, she held the art festival "Koganecho Bazaar 2008". Following the success of this event, KAMC was born in 2009.
Utilizing vacant houses as spaces for creative work and exhibitions.
Artist-in-residence
To "revitalize" an area that had a deeply ingrained image of being "scary" and "dangerous," it was absolutely essential not only to beautify the town, but also to improve its image in a way that would dispel the old impressions.
"I realized it wouldn't be easy, and I thought it would take time. When we first started, people would sometimes break the windows if they realized it was our facility. It was a scary area, so at first, artists wouldn't come unless we asked them."
The "Artist-in-Residence (AIR)" program, which involves renovating vacant houses along the elevated railway line and providing them as spaces for creation, exhibitions, and stays for artists, has been a core activity of KAMC since its inception. As the town's environment has improved, the number of participants has also increased, and currently, there are approximately 50 groups of artists participating at any given time. Risa Tsuneki, an artist who has been participating since 2018 and creates three-dimensional works, describes the appeal of AIR as follows:
"Compared to Tokyo, costs are lower, and there's a spacious workshop that I can use when needed. It's also great to have other artists around. Even though we're in different fields, we can consult with each other and encourage one another. Since participating in the Koganecho Bazaar in 2019, my interactions with other artists have deepened. I've also had more interactions with the locals, like getting information about other shops from shop owners... I've made those kinds of connections."
It appears that not only are artists interacting with each other, but communication with local people is also expanding.
The community that artists have connected with nature
"Community development through art" may sound like an abstract phrase, but KAMC's activities have been steadily yielding tangible results. We asked Ms. Yamano about the impact that art has on towns and local people.
"For example, before artists create their works, they diligently research this area. They investigate on their own, talk to the townspeople, and then incorporate that into their artwork. In the process, the community and the artists connect... I feel that the artists are naturally building relationships in ways that are beyond our reach. Of course, art has an impact on the community, but I also believe that artists have an impact on the town."
On the other hand, when Tsuneki shook his head, saying he didn't feel like he was playing a part in town development, Yamano continued:
"Artists don't need to think about what they should do to improve the town. If what they do without thinking about it happens to work out that way, then so be it."
New challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and the future of Koganecho
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which prevented overseas artists from visiting Japan, they also tried "remote production" in 2020. They challenged themselves with a new form of production in which artists in Koganecho brought the works of overseas artists to life while communicating online. Tsuneki, who participated in the remote production, recalls, "For the artist, even when the work is finished, it feels virtual. They can't actually see the finished work. I'm usually the type of artist who makes three-dimensional objects and other tangible things, so it was a very new experience for me."
Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, 12 years have passed since the establishment of KAMC, and the Koganecho area has now been revitalized to the point where children can be seen running around. It seems that Mr. Yamano already has ideas for his next project in mind.
"Not only our industry, but theaters, cinemas, and the food and beverage and lodging industries have also been hit hard by the pandemic. There are many such facilities in our neighborhood. I'm currently working hard to come up with a direction in which we can work together with these organizations. When we established the NPO, I envisioned what this town would be like in 10 years, and I think we're getting pretty close to that vision. So, I want to draw another picture of what we want the next 10 years to be like and move forward."
●PROFILE●
Koganecho Bazaar Director
Shingo Yamano
Born in Fukuoka Prefecture in 1950. Graduated from the Copperplate Engraving Department of the Bijutsu Gakko (Art School) in 1971. Active as an artist based in Fukuoka since the 1970s. Also presides over the IAF Art Research Laboratory and plans exhibitions. Since 1990, has produced "Museum City Tenjin," an art exhibition utilizing the city. Since then, has worked on numerous art projects and workshops with the theme of "City and Art." In 2005, served as curator for the "Yokohama Triennale 2005."
artist
Rihaya Tsuneki
Born in Gunma Prefecture in 1982, currently residing in Kanagawa Prefecture. Studied painting at Chelsea College, University of the Arts London, and completed an MFA from Glasgow School of Art in 2009. Major exhibitions include "Koganecho Bazaar" (Kanagawa) in 2020 and 2019, "Causality and synchronicity" at The Container (Tokyo) in 2019, and "OUT OF BOUNDS" at Bloc Projects (UK).
●EVENT INFORMATION●
Koganecho Bazaar 2021 - How to Make Side-by-Side
The theme for this 14th annual Koganecho Bazaar is "How to Create Side-by-Side Designs."
Twelve selected guest artists and 29 participating artists of Koganecho AIR will create and exhibit their work in the town of Koganecho.
We will be holding an exhibition.
Dates: October 1st (Fri) - 31st (Sun), 2021 [Total 27 days] Closed on Mondays
Venue: Studio under the elevated tracks between Keikyu Line's "Hinodecho Station" and "Koganecho Station," surrounding studios, local shops,
Outdoor open spaces, etc.
Organizers: Koganecho Area Management Center (NPO) / Hatsukou-Hinodecho Environmental Improvement Promotion Council
Artist-in-Residence (AIR)
Koganecho AIR is open to people of all nationalities and genres who are active in creative fields, providing support for production and other activities.
We provide a platform for searching and making presentations. We are now accepting applications for tenants from November onwards, starting September 1st.
(Application deadline: September 30th)
Visit the Koganecho Area Management Center website.
Showcase Gallery - A collaborative project with the Koganecho Area Management Center
Risao Tsuneki
Dates: September 25, 2021 (Sat) - December 12, 2021 (Sun)
Closed on: September 27th, October 25th, and November 22nd
Time: 9:00-21:00
Admission: Free
Venue: Yokohama Civic Gallery Azamino Entrance Lobby
