The city itself is art
The ”Arts Towada” project was launched to make ”Kancho Gai Dori” new and attractive after the area was rezoned leaving empty spaces. Using the entire outdoor areas of the street as a museum, various works of art were developed. In addition to the artwork, the goal was to develop Towada City into a unique ”City of Art” and ”A city that creates excitement” by incorporating the history and beautiful nature around the city.
The core facility, Towada Art Center opened in 2008, and a large scale outdoor piece was later installed across from the Center. Arts Towada was completed in the spring of 2010.
Art space that blends into the city
Work by 33 active artists, such as Yayoi Kusama and Ron Meuck are on display as permanent exhibitions. In addition, gallery space, a cafe, and civic activity space are available to support and promote exchange of cultural and artistic activities.
Another characteristic of the venue is that each exhibition room is an independent building called ”house for art”. The houses are connected by glass hallways. This makes it possible to create a space that best suits the various pieces of art, while the entire space becomes a work of art as well.
World famous artists
In the entrance, there is a piece called ”Zobop” by Jim Lambie. The piece has various bright colored vinyl tape applied to the floor in concentric lines. Unlike a painting, the whole space is a piece of art. In addition, there are various other art pieces on display. A finely detailed statue of a woman more than 4 meters tall (”Standing Woman” by Ron Mueck), or a tunnel depicting a spinal column (”Bridge of Light” by Ana Laura Araezu). These pieces are not crammed together, but can be enjoyed leisurely. We were told, ”The exhibition rooms have large windows making the space open, and have been created so the art can be seen from outside.” This museum where you can observe the work of world renowned artists, is itself a museum that blends into the city.
