Sapporo International Art Festival 2027

Welcome to PLANET SNOWWelcome to PLANET SNOW

Winter in Sapporo Transforms into Planet Snow. Welcome to an Art Festival Enveloped by White Snow.Winter in Sapporo Transforms into "Planet Snow." Welcome to an Art Festival Enveloped by White Snow.

With the addition of new participating artists that embody the vision of サイアフ2027, details for all 11 venues, including newly introduced locations, have been updated.

Open calls and participatory projects are now in place, marking the beginning of an art festival co-created with citizens.With the addition of new participating artists that embody the vision of SIAF2027, details for all 11 venues, including newly introduced locations, have been updated.

Open calls and participatory projects are now in place, marking the beginning of an art festival co-created with citizens.

Snow is a delicate message whispering the breath of our planet. As you journey through venues scattered across this winter city, you will encounter breathtaking artworks.

They will gently expand our awareness and perspective beyond humanity, stretching from micronic spores to the endless cosmos. An experience awaits youone where you can freely traverse the scales of diverse forms of life, connecting with deep, flowing time and a quiet sense of hope.Snow is a delicate message whispering the breath of our planet. As you journey through venues scattered across this winter city, you will encounter breathtaking artworks.

They will gently expand our awareness and perspective beyond humanity, stretching from micronic spores to the endless cosmos. An experience awaits you—one where you can freely traverse the scales of diverse forms of life, connecting with deep, flowing time and a quiet sense of hope.

HighlightsHighlights

サイアフ2027 will imagine Sapporo as a single planetPlanet Snowprompting us to reflect on this planets ways of life as well as history, culture, and the future as a whole.

The theme can be expressed with two phrases in the Ainu language. For those who live in Sapporo, Planet Snow is upas mintar snow garden, and for those visiting from afar, it is upas nociw snow star.

We look forward to meeting you on Planet Snow, where a multitude of images and ideas will intersect.SIAF2027 will imagine Sapporo as a single planet—Planet Snow—prompting us to reflect on this planet's ways of life as well as history, culture, and the future as a whole.

The theme can be expressed with two phrases in the Ainu language. For those who live in Sapporo, Planet Snow is "upas mintar (snow garden)," and for those visiting from afar, it is "upas nociw (snow star)."

We look forward to meeting you on Planet Snow, where a multitude of images and ideas will intersect.

Planet Snow Begins to Take Shape Across All 11 VenuesPlanet Snow Begins to Take Shape Across All 11 Venues

ADA SUIKEI Creators "Breezy Stonesapce" 2023 ©Nacása & Partners Inc.

The third lineup of nine new participating artists from Japan and abroad has been confirmed. Along with the 15 previously announced artists, their respective exhibition venues have now been finalized. The venues that make up サイアフ2027 span 11 locations that will play specific roles on Planet Snow, and the world they encompass is now taking shape.The third lineup of nine new participating artists from Japan and abroad has been confirmed. Along with the 15 previously announced artists, their respective exhibition venues have now been finalized. The venues that make up SIAF2027 span 11 locations that will play specific roles on Planet Snow, and the world they encompass is now taking shape.

HOTEHAMA Taku “Landscape” 2024

MORI Yuka "Continuum" 2026, Photo by ICHIKAWA Yasushi

Fanja BOUTS "A Largely Distorted yet Surprisingly Ordered Map of Regular Irregularities: A Dense Description of The Present Day History of The Future" 2023, Photo by Simon PILLAUD

In addition, one Initiative Partner 1 and two Official Partners 2 will be involved in planning the festival, contributing in their own unique way by leveraging their respective expertise and platforms.

Alongside these diverse artists and partners, サイアフ will continue to imagine the unknown landscape of Planet Snow.In addition, one Initiative Partner (*1) and two Official Partners (*2) will be involved in planning the festival, contributing in their own unique way by leveraging their respective expertise and platforms.

Alongside these diverse artists and partners, SIAF will continue to imagine the unknown landscape of Planet Snow.

• 1*1 Initiative Partners are corporations that utilize their expertise to co-create exhibitions, programs, and other initiatives under the festivals theme with サイアフ.Initiative Partners are corporations that utilize their expertise to co-create exhibitions, programs, and other initiatives under the festival's theme with SIAF.
• 2*2 Official Partners are those that endorse the theme of サイアフ2027 and co-create サイアフ2027 by implementing or supporting programs that leverage their respective strengths and expertise.Official Partners are those that endorse the theme of SIAF2027 and co-create SIAF2027 by implementing or supporting programs that leverage their respective strengths and expertise.

Cecilia BENGOLEA "Lightning Dance" 2018

Akkarawin KRAIRIKSH "Before The Garden" 2026

Open CallsOpen Calls

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At サイアフ2027, a wide range of open call projects will be implemented in collaboration with venues, partners, and other stakeholders. These initiatives broadly invite participation in the festival from people in various roles, including not only artists and creators but also many others.

In addition, “Let’s Upaste,” an initiative connecting various winter art events across Sapporo, and the “Fumu Fumu Project,” a program in which supporters connect visitors with サイアフ by providing venue and artwork guidance, will continue from サイアフ2024.At SIAF2027, a wide range of open call projects will be implemented in collaboration with venues, partners, and other stakeholders. These initiatives broadly invite participation in the festival from people in various roles, including not only artists and creators but also many others.

In addition, “Let’s Upaste!!,” an initiative connecting various winter art events across Sapporo, and the “Fumu Fumu Project,” a program in which supporters connect visitors with SIAF by providing venue and artwork guidance, will continue from SIAF2024.

Building on サイアフ2024, サイアフ2027 Aims for Further DevelopmentBuilding on SIAF2024, SIAF2027 Aims for Further Development

サイアフ2024 was guided by three concepts “Engine for CreativityA driving force for future-oriented thinking,” “Cultural InfrastructureAn opportunity to catch a glimpse of the future,” and “Citizen ParticipationCitizen and corporate participation art for society.” From this foundation emerged what could be described as サイアフ’s ecosystem. This ecosystem includes initiatives such as サイアフ School, a citizen participation program offering opportunities for discovery, experience, and learning by positioning the festival as a “school of the future,” and the Initiative Partner system, through which サイアフ and companies collectively aspire for the future.

Building on this foundation, サイアフ2027 will further strengthen three core visionsMaking the Most of Sapporo’s Uniqueness, A Festival for the People Open and Accessible to All, and Constructing a Sustainable Frameworkinspired by Sapporo’s unique charm, such as its cold climate and snowfall, as defining characteristics of the festival.

SIAF2024 was guided by three concepts: “Engine for Creativity=A driving force for future-oriented thinking,” “Cultural Infrastructure=An opportunity to catch a glimpse of the future,” and “Citizen Participation=Citizen and corporate participation & art for society.” From this foundation emerged what could be described as SIAF’s ecosystem. This ecosystem includes initiatives such as SIAF School, a citizen participation program offering opportunities for discovery, experience, and learning by positioning the festival as a “school of the future,” and the Initiative Partner system, through which SIAF and companies collectively aspire for the future.

Building on this foundation, SIAF2027 will further strengthen three core visions—"Making the Most of Sapporo’s Uniqueness," "A Festival for the People; Open and Accessible to All," and "Constructing a Sustainable Framework"—inspired by Sapporo’s unique charm, such as its cold climate and snowfall, as defining characteristics of the festival.

In addition, サイアフ has newly established its “Basic Principles for Ensuring Safe Participation and Achieving Diversity in Artistic Expression and Appreciation.” Rooted in the “Sapporo City Ordinance for Building a Community Where Everyone Can Connect with Each Other and Coexist,” サイアフ deepens understanding of diverse values, including local histories and cultures, and aims to create an art festival where everyone can feel safe to express themselves, appreciate art, and actively participate.In addition, SIAF has newly established its “Basic Principles for Ensuring Safe Participation and Achieving Diversity in Artistic Expression and Appreciation.” Rooted in the “Sapporo City Ordinance for Building a Community Where Everyone Can Connect with Each Other and Coexist,” SIAF deepens understanding of diverse values, including local histories and cultures, and aims to create an art festival where everyone can feel safe to express themselves, appreciate art, and actively participate.

ThemeTheme

Photo by TAKUMA Noriko

In 2027, the Sapporo International Art Festival, wrapped in white snow, will become the stage for a grand narrative about the future of humanity and the universe.

What kind of future do we hope for in these turbulent times, and how will we choose to move forward Together with artists and citizens, サイアフ aims to reconsider humanity, Earth, and the universe. Through the creative and free space of Planet Snow, we call for action towards the future. This is the vision encapsulated in the theme of サイアフ2027.

What path have we, as humankind, walked so far, and how have we existed on this planet called Earth We live in an era shaped by a pandemic, social fragmentation, relentless conflict, accelerating technological innovation, and climate change on a global scale. As humanity progresses, we also leave profound marks on the environment and the land. It is precisely because of the weight of this era that we must become more conscious of our placeEarthexisting within the larger universe. With a rich imagination that connects to futures yet unseen and the universe, the Director Team wants to reflect together on what kind of humanity we aspire to be.

Upas mintar / upas nociwthese are words from the Ainu language, spoken by the Indigenous people of Japan who have nurtured a distinct and rich culture. Upas means snow, mintar means garden, and nociw means star.

These words suggest that the art festival will transform into a snow garden or a snow stara place where diverse people gather and co-create, becoming a beacon of hope that links the past and the future. They are also embedded with different perspectives for those who live in Sapporo, Planet Snow is mintar for those coming from afar, it is nociw. This is the vision and scope of サイアフ2027.

We look forward to a journey of creativity with you in the world of Planet Snow.In 2027, the Sapporo International Art Festival, wrapped in white snow, will become the stage for a grand narrative about the future of humanity and the universe.

What kind of future do we hope for in these turbulent times, and how will we choose to move forward? Together with artists and citizens, SIAF aims to reconsider "humanity," "Earth," and "the universe." Through the creative and free space of Planet Snow, we call for action towards the future. This is the vision encapsulated in the theme of SIAF2027.

What path have we, as "humankind," walked so far, and how have we existed on this planet called "Earth?" We live in an era shaped by a pandemic, social fragmentation, relentless conflict, accelerating technological innovation, and climate change on a global scale. As humanity progresses, we also leave profound marks on the environment and the land. It is precisely because of the weight of this era that we must become more conscious of our place—"Earth"—existing within the larger "universe." With a rich imagination that connects to futures yet unseen and the universe, the Director Team wants to reflect together on what kind of "humanity" we aspire to be.

Upas mintar / upas nociw—these are words from the Ainu language, spoken by the Indigenous people of Japan who have nurtured a distinct and rich culture. Upas means "snow," mintar means "garden," and nociw means "star."

These words suggest that the art festival will transform into a "snow garden" or a "snow star"—a place where diverse people gather and co-create, becoming a beacon of hope that links the past and the future. They are also embedded with different perspectives: for those who live in Sapporo, Planet Snow is mintar; for those coming from afar, it is nociw. This is the vision and scope of SIAF2027.

We look forward to a journey of creativity with you in the world of Planet Snow.

ENESS "Iwagumi Air Scape" Photo by Finbarr FALLON

ISHIGURO Hiroshi / FUTURE OF LIFE Laboratory "Yamatoroid" ©FUTURE OF LIFE

Venues, Artists, and PartnersVenues, Artists, and Partners

Hokkaido Museum

Sapporo Science Center

AOAO SAPPORO

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With the announcement of nine newly participating artists, their respective exhibition venues have also been confirmed. Spanning 11 venues, including an urban aquarium opened in 2023, Planet Snows landscape continues to take shape.With the announcement of nine newly participating artists, their respective exhibition venues have also been confirmed. Spanning 11 venues, including an urban aquarium opened in 2023, Planet Snow's landscape continues to take shape.

Open Calls and Participatory ProjectsOpen Calls and Participatory Projects

サイアフ aims to be an art festival that functions as an open platform, deepening partnerships and collaborations with citizens, and local organizations. For サイアフ2027, the framework for open call initiatives will be significantly expanded through partnerships with venues and partners. In addition, the participatory projects that サイアフ has been developing on an ongoing basis will now fully launch.SIAF aims to be an art festival that functions as an open platform, deepening partnerships and collaborations with citizens, and local organizations. For SIAF2027, the framework for open call initiatives will be significantly expanded through partnerships with venues and partners. In addition, the participatory projects that SIAF has been developing on an ongoing basis will now fully launch.

OverviewOverview

名称名称

札幌国際げいじゅつさい2027 Japanese Sapporo International Art Festival 2027 English Usa Mosir un Askay utar Sapporo otta Uekarpa 2027 Ainu札幌国際芸術祭2027 (Japanese)
Sapporo International Art Festival 2027 (English)
Usa Mosir un Askay utar Sapporo otta Uekarpa 2027 (Ainu)

AbbreviationAbbreviation

サイアフ2027SIAF2027

ThemeTheme

PLANET SNOWウパシミンタラ ウパシノチウPLANET SNOW—upas mintar / upas nociw

DatesDates

January 16 Sat February 21 Sun, 2027 Some venues will be closed on certain days. Exhibition dates differ for the four venues below. Sapporo Science Center January 5 Tue February 21 Sun Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art January 9 Sat April 11 Sun Tentative Sapporo Odori 500-m Underground Walkway Gallery January 16 Sat March 24 Wed Sapporo Snow Festival Odori Site February 4 Thu 21 Sun サイアフ2027 dedicated block venueJanuary 16 (Sat) – February 21 (Sun), 2027
*Some venues will be closed on certain days.

Exhibition dates differ for the four venues below.
・ Sapporo Science Center: January 5 (Tue) – February 21 (Sun)
・ Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art: January 9 (Sat) – April 11 (Sun) (Tentative)
・ Sapporo Odori 500-m Underground Walkway Gallery: January 16 (Sat) – March 24 (Wed)
・ Sapporo Snow Festival Odori Site: February 4 (Thu) – 21 (Sun) (SIAF2027 dedicated block venue)

VenueVenue

Sapporo Citizens Gallery Sapporo Science Center Hokkaido Museum Moerenuma Park Shiryokan Former Sapporo Court of Appeals Chuo Ward Office Complex Sapporo Cultural Arts Community Center SCARTS Sapporo Snow Festival Odori Site Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art Sapporo Odori 500-m Underground Walkway Gallery AOAO SAPPOROSapporo Citizens Gallery | Sapporo Science Center | Hokkaido Museum | Moerenuma Park | Shiryokan (Former Sapporo Court of Appeals) | Chuo Ward Office Complex | Sapporo Cultural Arts Community Center (SCARTS) | Sapporo Snow Festival Odori Site | Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art | Sapporo Odori 500-m Underground Walkway Gallery | AOAO SAPPORO

ArtistArtist

ADA SUIKEI Creators AKIMOTO Sanae Cecilia BENGOLEA Fanja BOUTS CHEN Xi ENESS fragmentin Fujimori God Scorpion HIWA Kazuhiko HOTEHAMA Taku ISHIGURO Hiroshi / FUTURE OF LIFE Laboratory IWAI Toshio KAWAKAMI Rie Akkarawin KRAIRIKSH Boris LABBÉ LAUSBUB MORI Yuka NAKAZATO Yuima SATAKE Maki shigechanland ONISHI Shigenari WADA Nagara WAKAKI Kurumi Artists from the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art Collection Two selected winners for the サイアフ2027 500-m Underground Walkway Gallery AwardADA SUIKEI Creators | AKIMOTO Sanae | Cecilia BENGOLEA | Fanja BOUTS | CHEN Xi | ENESS | fragmentin | Fujimori | God Scorpion | HIWA Kazuhiko | HOTEHAMA Taku | ISHIGURO Hiroshi / FUTURE OF LIFE Laboratory | IWAI Toshio | KAWAKAMI Rie | Akkarawin KRAIRIKSH | Boris LABBÉ | LAUSBUB | MORI Yuka | NAKAZATO Yuima | SATAKE Maki | shigechanland (ONISHI Shigenari) | WADA Nagara | WAKAKI Kurumi | Artists from the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art Collection | Two selected winners for the SIAF2027 500-m Underground Walkway Gallery Award

Initiative PartnerInitiative Partner

Wacom Co., Ltd.Wacom Co., Ltd.

Official PartnerOfficial Partner

Dialogue on Art and Technology DAT Japan Graphic Designers Association Inc. Hokkaido Branch JAGDA HokkaidoDialogue on Art and Technology (DAT) | Japan Graphic Designers Association Inc. Hokkaido Branch (JAGDA Hokkaido)

Director TeamDirector Team

OGAWA Hideaki Artistic Director HOSOKAWA Asami Festival Director URUSHI Takahiro School Director MARUTA Tomoaki Studio DirectorOGAWA Hideaki (Artistic Director) | HOSOKAWA Asami (Festival Director) | URUSHI Takahiro (School Director) | MARUTA Tomoaki (Studio Director)

AdvisorAdvisor

YAMAZAKI NaokoYAMAZAKI Naoko

DramaturgDramaturg

KANAZAWA Kodama Planet Snow Narrative LeadKANAZAWA Kodama (Planet Snow Narrative Lead)

CuratorCurator

KANAZAWA Kodama Sapporo Citizens Gallery Venue Curator NISHI Tsubasa Sapporo Science Center Venue Curator ISOGAI Nayuta Sapporo Science Center SUZUKI Akiyo Hokkaido Museum SUZUKI Asumi Hokkaido Museum MIZUSHIMA Miki Hokkaido Museum SONOBE Yoko Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art CAI Contemporary Art Institute/CAI03 General Incorporated Association PROJECTA Sapporo Odori 500-m Underground Walkway GalleryKANAZAWA Kodama (Sapporo Citizens Gallery Venue Curator) | NISHI Tsubasa (Sapporo Science Center Venue Curator) | ISOGAI Nayuta (Sapporo Science Center) | SUZUKI Akiyo (Hokkaido Museum) | SUZUKI Asumi (Hokkaido Museum) | MIZUSHIMA Miki (Hokkaido Museum) | SONOBE Yoko (Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art) | CAI Contemporary Art Institute/CAI03 & General Incorporated Association PROJECTA (Sapporo Odori 500-m Underground Walkway Gallery)

Ainu Culture CoordinatorAinu Culture Coordinator

MayunkikiMayunkiki

Art Director DesignerArt Director & Designer

Wabisabi SHIRAI HiroakiWabisabi | SHIRAI Hiroaki

Main VisualMain Visual

ONISHI Shigenari shigechanland [photography / calligraphy / character]ONISHI Shigenari (shigechanland) [photography / calligraphy / character]

OrganizerOrganizer

Sapporo International Art Festival Executive Committee City of SapporoSapporo International Art Festival Executive Committee | City of Sapporo

Supported bySupported by

Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, Fiscal Year 2026 Embassy of Switzerland in Japan Japan Foundation for Regional Art-Activities The Kao Foundation for Arts and Sciences CLAIR Council of Local Authorities for International RelationsAgency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, Fiscal Year 2026 | Embassy of Switzerland in Japan | Japan Foundation for Regional Art-Activities | The Kao Foundation for Arts and Sciences | CLAIR (Council of Local Authorities for International Relations)

CooperationCooperation

New Chitose Airport International Animation FestivalNew Chitose Airport International Animation Festival