Arakawa Africa
“Arakawa Africa” is an art project born on the bustling Ogu Ginza shopping street in Arakawa City, Tokyo, reaching across the sea toward a distant continent. It is held each summer, the season most fitting for turning one’s thoughts to the heat of Africa.
Arakawa City was once home to many workers from Africa, and Japanese makers who still produce goods in Africa are said to be based here. There are shops well stocked with African fabrics and drums. Passersby can glimpse craftspeople at work through the storefronts, catching something of the atmosphere of an African neighborhood. Drawn by Arakawa’s distinctive character, people with an interest in Africa and in art have gradually begun gathering in this town.
Through art and creative practice, “Arakawa Africa” sheds light on the unexpected connections between Arakawa and Africa, uncovering the African qualities latent within the district. The project seeks to discover, from a fresh perspective, the potential and future resources of both places, and to enrich the culture of the local community. Arakawa—a town where Africa is right next door.
Details
Arakawa Africa: The Work of Nishio Kosakusho and Muramatsu Sharyo Co., Ltd. in Africa Dates: August 26 (Thu) – 29 (Sun), 2010 Venue: OGU MAG Organized by: Arakawa Africa Executive Committee Planning and Production: Nishio Kosakusho Nairobi Branch Arakawa Africa 2: The Work of Nishio Kosakusho in Africa and Africa-ya in Arakawa Dates: June 14 (Tue) – 19 (Sun), 2011 Venue: OGU MAG Organized by: Arakawa Africa Executive Committee Planning and Production: Nishio Kosakusho Nairobi Branch In cooperation with: ACC (Arakawa City Community Promotion Corporation) Arakawa Africa 3: The Work of Nishio Kosakusho in Africa and Tokyo Djembe Factory in Arakawa Dates: July 24 (Thu) – 29 (Sun), 2012 Venue: OGU MAG Organized by: Arakawa Africa Executive Committee Planning and Production: Nishio Kosakusho Nairobi Branch Arakawa Africa 4: Artists' Work in Arakawa and Africa Dates: September 21 (Sat) – October 11 (Fri), 2013 Venue: OGU MAG Participating Artists: Yukihiro Taguchi, Shuta Hasunuma, Nishio Kosakusho Nairobi Branch Organized by: Arakawa Africa Executive Committee Co-organized by: Arakawa City Arts and Culture Promotion Foundation, Arakawa City Special Sponsorship: Asahi Breweries, Ltd. Supported by: Asahi Group Foundation for Culture and Art
