This autumn will be the perfect occasion to visit Art Collaboration Kyoto (ACK) art fair, an emerging Japanese art fair designed for the next generation of art collectors. From November 18–20, ACK is going to fill the main venue ICC Kyoto Event Hall with art and excitement. Unconventional booths, each hosted by a Japanese gallery in collaboration with a guest gallery from overseas together in one booth, are bringing unique sparkles in the “Gallery Collaborations” section.
LARRY’S LIST is highlighting 7 special features of ACK that you should not miss out.
1. An art fair for the next generation by next-gen female program director Yukako Yamashita
In addition to bringing together domestic and international art galleries that are showcasing world-class works, ACK is dedicated to creating a new kind of art fair experience. A variety of programs overseen by Yukako Yamashita under the curatorial theme “Flowers of Time” transcend the traditional framework of an art fair as simply a marketplace. The exhibition “Flowers of Time”will showcase world-renowned artists and young artists, such as Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Lee Mingwei, Mayuko Ose, and Kour Pour. Besides, Jam Acuzar, of the same generation as Yamashita, is invited as guest curator of the Public Program to present an exhibition of works by international artists, including Noe Aoki, Elisabeth Kley, Tromarama. ACK also offers Kids Programs, including workshops for children with guest artists Aiko Miyanaga and Ichio Otsuka, and a crèche at the art fair venue — in order to cultivate the next-next generation of art aficionados.
2. Unconventional booth-sharing partnerships between Japanese and overseas galleries
This art fair adopts a unique concept in which Japanese galleries serve as hosts and offer booth sharing to overseas galleries. The Japanese galleries select their partners through the global network they have cultivated over the years. The collaboration brings out new aspects of each gallery, creating unique exhibitions that can only be seen at ACK.
3. Exclusive collector groups and VIP experience
Enjoy a VIP opening reception with performance and music by world-class artists at Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, which will also include a night-time private viewing of the Andy Warhol Kyoto exhibition. One may also join some collector groups which are organizing a series of engaging art activities: studio visits with Kyoto-based artists, dialogues between art and Zen in a Zen temple not typically open to the public, a special dinner in a historical building overlooking a Japanese garden, and other special experiences. VIPs will enjoy car service provided by Matsushima Mobility Service.
4. Venue and innovative booth layout
The main venue will be the ICC Kyoto Event Hall designed by Sachio Otani, who was also apprenticed to Kenzō Tange, while the booth layout will be designed by Takashi Suo, formerly of SANAA, whose innovative space layout was well received last year. It will be exciting to see how the event evolves from the last edition of ACK. Special exhibitions under the theme “Flowers of Time” will be held at the Hongwanji Dendoin, an important cultural property not usually open to the public, allowing visitors to engage with the dialogues between artworks and architecture.
5. Art of Kyoto
In Kyoto, which continues to evolve with the advance of history, the creativity and vitality of younger generations is budding with great potentials and hopes; and Kyoto prefecture is working to promote the creation of an art ecosystem that facilitates the activities of artists. Amidst this momentum, the holding of Kyoto Meetings, a section introducing artists associated with Kyoto, will also provide a closer look at the current local art scene in Japan. Several outstanding exhibitions and events will be held around Kyoto. For the convenience of visitors wishing to take in these events, two shuttle buses are available: one from the venue to the city center and another that runs on a loop between four key locations in the downtown core.
6. Meet local and international art collectors and professionals
ACK also serves as a platform where experts and specialists from Japan and overseas are invited to share trends and issues facing international society today. Through ACK, art collectors can connect with one another, exchange opinions on various issues related to art, and participate in a unique community with the aim of becoming a platform that can impact society.
In this year’s Talks Program, internationally renowned collector Takeo Obayashi, curator and writer Nicolas Bourriaud, gallerist Sadie Coles and others will take the stage to discuss the international art scene and the current states of art in Asia and Japan.
7. ACK-selected hotels and restaurants and autumn colors in Kyoto
The weekend of ACK is usually the time of the year when the numerous shades of autumn colors in Kyoto are the most gorgeous. Grab this annual opportunity to view amazing artworks and immerse into the art scene of Kyoto while showering in wondrous and poetic glow of the autumn foliage. You will also have access to first-class hotels and restaurants recommended by ACK, including ACK’s partners Aman Kyoto, Ace Hotel, and Hotel The Mitsui which boast acclaimed interior designs by Andre Fu. All visitors can have access to bicycles provided by ACK as an eco-friendly way to avoid traffic congestion and enjoy the city.
More information on ACK art fair can be found here.
