Funasaka, a most beautiful village almost abutting the heart of the city at the northern hilltop of Nishinomiyashi, Hyogo Prefecture, is nevertheless being encompassed in the tranquil environment, while the terraced paddy fields and the thatched roof houses carve out its landscape. Indeed, the villagers share the same problem of the declining number of children vis-à-vis the aging population. However, the FUNASAKA community people have managed to flock together to preserve the time-honoured traditions and events which have been handed down from bygone days.

Visiting urbanites invariably find a mental oasis in Funasaka. Certainly, FUNASAKA has the charm of arousing the sensitivity as a person in the “mind” of today’s people. In the face of the diluting human relationships today, one can perhaps invoke art as an effective means or catalysis to excite new budding of such human relationships. We could probably expect a rich harvest, when people, nature and art closely intertwine each other to form a great undulation, as they are immersed in the relaxed, tranquil atmosphere of the FUNASAKA TIME.

My study abroad in Germany during 2007~2008 fortunately coincided with “Documenta” in Kassel, “Skulptur.Projekte” in Münster and “Biennale di Venezia”, all of which are leading world modern art exhibitions. I made a long stay in each town, wandering about the vast exhibition site with the utmost glee. At each site, there was such an excitement. The whole town from residents, administrators, artists and to directors were completely and harmoniously absorbed in the art festival of such a gigantic magnitude that could readily invite arguments both for and against holding such an event. Upon witnessing these events with my own eyes I was compelled to trust once again in what the power of art could achieve.

At such occasion, it occurred to me why should I not do the same in “Funasaka” at the northern part of Nishinomiya, not far from the community of my own birth place, accessible only within half an hour from the heart of the city. If only there was art in the small town of a miniature garden size, which suddenly spreads into view after one drives through the tunnel:- the terraced paddy fields, the old thatched roof houses, the old trail, the castle hills, etc….

Similar art festivals are beginning to spread in Japan as well, such as Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial and Nakanojo Biennale in Gumma. Upon returning to Japan, I wasted no time in appealing to the local concerns, being anxious to create an art festival that only FUNASAKA could realise.

Mr  Yoshiro Sakata, Executive Commissioner of Funasaka Biennale is the Chairperson of the FUNASAKA Senior Club. A number of community people are included in the list of the Executive Committee (TEC). In other words, TEC is led neither by administration nor artists. This festival is organised and led by the community people, unlike any other similar festivals found elsewhere in the country.

Funasaka Biennale is hosted by Funasaka Satoyama Festival Executive Committee and co-hosted by Funasaka Autonomous Body, Funasaka Children’s Society, and Association to Consider Funasaka Farm Land and Farming Business. Increasing numbers of institutions, enterprises, and individuals are in support of this project, to which Nishinomiya City has decided to extend its financial support. At long last, Funasaka Biennale has been kicked off.

Everything has been a continuation of trial and error for the Community people, who have experienced hosting such an event for the first time. Nevertheless, they have accepted with warm, open arms the artists, who have come to stay in Funasaka to complete their work. Moreover, as students began joining in the project, a few tangible developments have spread their roots underneath the ground. The works of art being exhibited symbolise such developments.

Some proposals for the main 2010 Funasaka Biennale envisage expansion of Funasaka Biennale so that it includes international participation, such as music and drama and a permanent performance that is scheduled throughout the year. I am confident that it will not be too long before this small local community begins transmitting meaningful works of art in the international arena.

The Pre-Exhibition of the Funasaka Biennale at this time is a culmination of efforts by all concerned, including the artists, all of whom have contributed without pay. While I realise shortfalls are inevitable, I should be happy if you could begin to feel attracted to Funasaka through the works of art exhibited at Funasaka Biennale.