For theater, dance and art fans in Japan, an unprecedented gourmet selection of performances and exhibitions — the inaugural Aichi Triennale 2010 — will kick off in Nagoya on Aug. 21, running until Oct. 31. Promoting cutting-edge and cross-genre concepts with an emphasis on performance-based works, the triennale has invited a surprisingly large number of artists, many of whom are internationally recognized. Several well-known international curators were also involved in making the selections. With the blessing of Aichi Governor Masaaki Kanda, an art enthusiast, 70 percent of the funding has come from the prefecture — a much needed boost for Japan's flagging arts support.

Interestingly, the target audience is local, unlike other biennales and triennales aiming for art tourism from outside their locality. Emphasizing the draw for residents, the event has also included a "Kid's Triennale," for families to enjoy.

"It's very important for us to attract the local residents who are ordinary people, those not involved in the art world. They're our first target," explains Artistic Director Akira Tatehata. "Of course we also hope to get Korean, Chinese, Taiwanese and Western visitors," he quickly adds. "If we can attract 300,000 visitors, then we've succeeded."