In Tokamachi City and Tsunan Town in Niigata, the "Echigo-Tsumari Art Field" (Daichi no Geijutsusai) is held, with artworks displayed outdoors. On this WAVOC study tour, participants will volunteer to put up snow covers that protect the artworks and carry out maintenance, learning a perspective of "supporting" works of art.
On the first day, participants will meet at Matsudai Station on the Hokuhoku Line, visit the Matsudai "Nobutai" facility, and then work on snow covers and maintenance of the artworks. There will also be time to talk with and ask questions of local people involved with the artworks and their upkeep, and participants will stay overnight at Matsudai Tanada House (private rooms). On the second day, work will continue in the morning and afternoon, with the group scheduled to disband around 3:30 p.m.
Participants must attend both the online orientation and all on-site activities, and complete a report as follow-up learning. Because the activities take place outdoors and include walking in wooded areas, participants are asked to prepare work clothes with long sleeves and long pants and comfortable shoes. Applications are accepted through the online application form.
Key points
- Experience the perspective of those who "support" art by putting up snow covers and maintaining artworks
- Time to interact with and ask questions of local people involved with the artworks and their upkeep
- Tokamachi City and WAVOC subsidize transportation and accommodation, keeping personal costs to roughly 5,000 yen
Why We Recommend This Study Tour
When we think of an art festival, we tend to focus on "seeing" the works, but keeping artworks safe in a snowy region takes many hands. Being able to learn by actually taking part in that behind-the-scenes work is an experience unique to this tour.
Working alongside local people and hearing their stories should give participants a real feel for the connections between art, local life, and nature and the environment. As a way of learning through volunteering, it is also a useful reference for other universities and organizations.
Staff comments
Minato AobaResearch
“A study tour where students put up snow covers and maintain artworks struck me as unusual. Having time to interact with and ask questions of local people involved with the works also seems like a great learning opportunity.”
Sophie HiroseWriting and translation
“Like Aoba, I find the exchange with local people appealing. Standing on the side of protecting artworks, not just viewing them, could change how you see art. It sounds like two days that also offer a glimpse of life in a snowy region.”
Mako JozenjiProofreading and verification
“Hearing you both made me notice the people who support the artworks. Behind a vibrant art festival lies this kind of steady handwork. Spending a night in the community will surely be a memorable experience, too.”
Interested in this event?
Editor-in-Chief’s comment
Ren DateEditor-in-Chief
“This program seems perfect for students interested not only in art, but also in nature, the environment and community building. With a small group, being able to spend quality time with local people is another appeal.
The tour is for Waseda University students, and the deadline is noon on November 18. If you're interested, check the details on the recruitment page early.”