The Theme

Themes give insight to the festival’s focusThemes give insight to the festival’s focus

サイアフ has a different theme per edition which becomes the core of festival promotion.

The theme of サイアフ2014 was a direct conversion of the basic policy, “City and Nature,” in the aforementioned “Basic Concept of Sapporo International Art Festival working title.” サイアフ2017 was based on the theme “How do We Define ‘Art Festival’” as a key question to encourage participation from artists and residents, whereas サイアフ2020 expressed its commitment to the City of Sapporo with the theme “Of Roots and Clouds.”

Each of these themes has been an abstract version of what each festival focused on. And “Last Snow,” the theme for サイアフ2024, is a word that encompass the themes of the past three editions.SIAF has a different theme per edition which becomes the core of festival promotion.

The theme of SIAF2014 was a direct conversion of the basic policy, “City and Nature,” in the aforementioned “Basic Concept of Sapporo International Art Festival (working title).” SIAF2017 was based on the theme “How do We Define ‘Art Festival’?” as a key question to encourage participation from artists and residents, whereas SIAF2020 expressed its commitment to the City of Sapporo with the theme “Of Roots and Clouds.”

Each of these themes has been an abstract version of what each festival focused on. And “Last Snow,” the theme for SIAF2024, is a word that encompass the themes of the past three editions.

Promoting participation through the theme itselfPromoting participation through the theme itself

Last Snow is coupled with the sub-theme “Where the Future Begins.”

According to Director OGAWA, the two key phrases “Last Snow” and “Where the Future Begins” served as an “open invitation.” Not only did they raise a sense of urgency about how societal changes such as climate change, conflicts, and pandemics can drastically alter our lives, but also encouraged us to take a step forward in a positive direction. This combination of themes stimulated the creativity of people from all walks of life and elicited active participation.

Thankfully, the theme was well received by the artists, especially by those who exhibited new works, and seemed to be a great guidepost for them. The theme of snow also attracted interest as one of the most familiar elements to the residents of Sapporo.Last Snow is coupled with the sub-theme “Where the Future Begins.”

According to Director OGAWA, the two key phrases — “Last Snow” and “Where the Future Begins” — served as an “open invitation.” Not only did they raise a sense of urgency about how societal changes such as climate change, conflicts, and pandemics can drastically alter our lives, but also encouraged us to take a step forward in a positive direction. This combination of themes stimulated the creativity of people from all walks of life and elicited active participation.

Thankfully, the theme was well received by the artists, especially by those who exhibited new works, and seemed to be a great guidepost for them. The theme of snow also attracted interest as one of the most familiar elements to the residents of Sapporo.

Simple terms are always more memorableSimple terms are always more memorable

Here is one interesting episode that vividly illustrates how much the phrase “Last Snow” has impacted the hearts and minds of the residents of Sapporo.

There is a サイアフ staff member who frequently asked local taxi drivers if they knew サイアフ when riding in their vehicle. Most of them answered no, but they had heard of the phrase “Last Snow.” The simple phrase must have stuck in the minds of the drivers, who probably held no deep interest in the festival.

This thought-provoking episode was very helpful in considering future themes for the festival.Here is one interesting episode that vividly illustrates how much the phrase “Last Snow” has impacted the hearts and minds of the residents of Sapporo.

There is a SIAF staff member who frequently asked local taxi drivers if they knew SIAF when riding in their vehicle. Most of them answered no, but they had heard of the phrase “Last Snow.” The simple phrase must have stuck in the minds of the drivers, who probably held no deep interest in the festival.

This thought-provoking episode was very helpful in considering future themes for the festival.