［about］Kansai Studies 2023 Commences with New Researchers

Upon taking over direction for Kyoto Experiment as the new Director Team in 2020, we engaged in countless discussions (still ongoing) and decided to introduce two programs alongside the performance-focused Shows program: Kansai Studies and Super Knowledge for the Future (SKF).

When we thought about the question of what an international performing arts festival should be and envisioned the future of Kyoto Experiment, we knew it was important to continue presenting artists and works of international acclaim. However, we also believed in the significance of examining and reflecting on the unique region and roots of the festival’s location.

In other words, our aim was to find purpose in holding this festival in Kyoto. To achieve this, we felt it was important to turn our attention to the land and gain an understanding, as a festival, of how the city and culture developed. From this awareness and curiosity emerged Kansai Studies.

It was challenging to launch the program during a pandemic. However, over the course of these three years since 2020, we have successfully presented research on the water of the Kyoto and Kansai area, as well as the food culture of the region, using okonomiyaki as a departure point. The third year of the program marked the completion of a theater piece based on this research.

In 2023, our fourth year, we aimed to further broaden the festival’s engagement by holding an open call. We are pleased to announce the five selected researchers and their diverse themes of exploration.

We are excited to move forward with these research members.

Recently, we held our first meeting at Kyoto Art Center, where we got to know the researchers and the contents of their research. Already, we have witnessed a fruitful exchange of information, for which every member indeed has an excellent eye.

We hope you stay tuned for various exciting updates on our website, as their research progresses.

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