Biannual art extravaganza Design Festa, now marking Vol. 17, is sweeping toward Tokyo Big Sight convention center, with some of the best and brightest of art and design from Japan and all over the world penciled in for an April 19-20 explosion of creativity.
Since 1994, when Design Festa first took place, the number of exhibitors has grown from 2,500 to over 4,500, making it Japan's largest art event.
"The event was created to give an opportunity space to artists in Japan," says Hiromi Nishiyama, of the Design Festa office in Tokyo.
By deciding against seeking sponsorship in favor of independent expression, the organizers offer exhibitors a chance to display their work in a setting "free from censorship or judgment," she says.
This year's event will provide space for some 1,600 booths, featuring genres ranging from fashion, art and interior design to projection, performance and live music.
The event is open to artists of all ages, nationality, genre, and ability, offers exhibitors a chance to show their work to an international audience, and helps visitors to enjoy a "mind-blowing" creative experience.
Design Festa will take place from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
And for those unable to attend the weekend extravaganza, Design Festa operates a gallery in Harajuku, offering the same creative opportunities to exhibitors and visitors alike. The gallery is open everyday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and admission is free.
More information on Design Festa and Design Festa Gallery is available from designfesta.com