Nationwide
On March 9
Screaming like a baby in Shibuya, sewing stuffed animals on jumpsuits and building Styrofoam structures are all in a day's work for the internationally active avant-garde performance and installation artist Yoshiaki Kaihatsu. Kaihatsu has witnessed a downward trend locally, as the number of visitors to art galleries is gradually declining. In response, Kaihatsu has created an annual "Thank You Art Day," celebrated on March 9 as, appropriately, "thank you" rhymes with 3/9 ("san/kyu") in Japanese. This "art holiday" aims to promote the arts by urging people to visit galleries in support of local artists. From humble beginnings in 2001 with 20 participating galleries, "Thank You Art Day" now comprises more than 145 art spaces in Tokyo and Kansai, as well as affiliated galleries in North America and Europe.
Galleries will extend opening hours and offer incentives such as reduced admission prices, limited-edition art giveaways and special exhibitions. One of this year's highlights will be the 47 guest performers simultaneously performing in their respective cities at 3:09 p.m., with each representing a different prefecture in Japan. "Thank You Art Day" draws inspiration from the German rundgang concept -- meaning "to circuit" -- so mark your diary for a March 9 art crawl. For participating galleries, artists and events information, go to: www.39art.com
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