Sapporo International Art Festival 2027

Welcome to PLANET SNOWWelcome to PLANET SNOW

Your journey to Planet Snow will soon beginYour journey to Planet Snow will soon begin

Soon, you will set foot into the snowy world of the unknown PLANET SNOW.

The driving force behind サイアフ2027 will be a “multiplication” of art and various fieldssuch as technology, science, history, and fashionusing snow as a starting point to expand your imagination beyond Earth and into the universe. Here, Sapporo’s everyday features and facilities will transform into those of Planet Snow, inviting you to an imagined world.

Travelling across 11 venues of the snowy world, you will encounter various different artworks.Soon, you will set foot into the snowy world of the unknown PLANET SNOW.

The driving force behind SIAF2027 will be a “multiplication” of art and various fields—such as technology, science, history, and fashion—using snow as a starting point to expand your imagination beyond Earth and into the universe. Here, Sapporo’s everyday features and facilities will transform into those of Planet Snow, inviting you to an imagined world.

Travelling across 11 venues of the snowy world, you will encounter various different artworks.

A giant robot speaking gravely about humanity’s memories of the past. An android gazing at us from the future, questioning the essence of humanity. Haute couture that engages deeply with the origins of clothing, conceived from a cruel natural environment. Mysterious creatures born from driftwood and animal bones, and large, glowing boulders appearing in the middle of a snowy open spaceA giant robot speaking gravely about humanity’s memories of the past. An android gazing at us from the future, questioning the essence of humanity. Haute couture that engages deeply with the origins of clothing, conceived from a cruel natural environment. Mysterious creatures born from driftwood and animal bones, and large, glowing boulders appearing in the middle of a snowy open space…

Frode OLDEREID and Thomas KVAM “Requiem for an Exit” 2024, ©Kvam/Oldereid

ISHIGURO Hiroshi / FUTURE OF LIFE Laboratory “Yamatoroid” ©FUTURE OF LIFE

NAKAZATO Yuima “GLACIER” Photo by Vera LAKOVAARA, Courtesy of Oulu Art Museum

Site visit to shigechanland

ENESS “IWAGUMI Air Scape” Photo by Finbarr FALLON

These encounters will guide your perspectives and gazes to somewhere different to usual.

Currently, we are preparing the PLANET SNOW FIELD GUIDE, a special guidebook that will act as a compass to support your journey on this mysterious planet.

In addition, special programs that extend into the night, hands-on workshops, and events featuring a wide range of guests will change your experience on Planet Snow into a more multidimensional one.

Planet Snow is a planet envisioned by the サイアフ2027 team, including artists, partners, and curators. The ones paving the way are the visitors travelling it. Let’s expand our imagination and explore the world and stories of Planet Snow together.These encounters will guide your perspectives and gazes to somewhere different to usual.

Currently, we are preparing the PLANET SNOW FIELD GUIDE, a special guidebook that will act as a compass to support your journey on this mysterious planet.

In addition, special programs that extend into the night, hands-on workshops, and events featuring a wide range of guests will change your experience on Planet Snow into a more multidimensional one.

Planet Snow is a planet envisioned by the SIAF2027 team, including artists, partners, and curators. The ones paving the way are the visitors travelling it. Let’s expand our imagination and explore the world and stories of Planet Snow together.

サイアフ2027 Director Team
OGAWA Hideaki / HOSOKAWA Asami / URUSHI Takahiro / MARUTA Tomoaki
October 27, 2026SIAF2027 Director Team
OGAWA Hideaki / HOSOKAWA Asami / URUSHI Takahiro / MARUTA Tomoaki
October 27, 2026

To the world of Planet Snow, from the bright, snowy daytime into the nightTo the world of Planet Snow, from the bright, snowy daytime into the night

Weaving the stories of 11 venues, a lineup of 34 artists and nine partners has been confirmed Sapporo’s everyday features and facilities will transform into those of Planet Snow.

The festival experience goes on all day longfrom venues to visit in the daytime to night programs where cold and heat intersect.Weaving the stories of 11 venues, a lineup of 34 artists and nine partners has been confirmed! Sapporo’s everyday features and facilities will transform into those of Planet Snow.

The festival experience goes on all day long—from venues to visit in the daytime to night programs where cold and heat intersect.

• * Exhibition dates differ for some venues. For details, see the Overview.Exhibition dates differ for some venues. For details, see the Overview.
• * Venues open into the night Shiryokan Former Sapporo Court of Appeals, Sapporo Snow Festival Odori Site, AOAO SAPPORO, and Sapporo Science Center.Venues open into the night: Shiryokan (Former Sapporo Court of Appeals), Sapporo Snow Festival Odori Site, AOAO SAPPORO, and Sapporo Science Center.

Daytime Festival HubDaytime | Festival Hub

Sapporo Cultural Arts Community Center (SCARTS) Photo by TAKUMA Noriko

Sapporo Cultural Arts Community Center SCARTSFree AdmissionSapporo Cultural Arts Community Center (SCARTS)Free Admission

PLANET SNOW Information CenterSony Group’s immersive installation “OPTICAL DRIFT” will be unveiled for the first time ever at this venue, which will function as a hub for サイアフ2027.This new information center, put together by KOKUYO with the theme of “a space between appreciation and tourism”, will act as a base where both information and people will come and go, opening up a “サイアフ Studio” where visitors can imagine the future together.PLANET SNOW: Information CenterSony Group’s immersive installation “OPTICAL DRIFT” will be unveiled for the first time ever at this venue, which will function as a hub for SIAF2027.This new information center, put together by KOKUYO with the theme of “a space between appreciation and tourism”, will act as a base where both information and people will come and go, opening up a “SIAF Studio” where visitors can imagine the future together.

Daytime Cutting-Edge ExpressionDaytime | Cutting-Edge Expression

Frode OLDEREID and Thomas KVAM “Requiem for an Exit” 2024, ©Kvam/Oldereid

shigechanland (ONISHI Shigenari)

Cecilia BENGOLEA “Lightning Dance” 2018

CHEN Xi “Hey... Who is that Snowman?” 2027 (In progress) ©CHEN Xi | 陈熹

Sapporo Citizens GalleryTicket RequiredSapporo Citizens GalleryTicket Required

PLANET SNOW Starting Point“shigechanland”, the private art gallery in Tsubetsu, Hokkaido that is well-known to some, will make a large-scale appearance just for this winter, and its mysterious creatures will gather in SapporoIn addition, making an appearance from Norway will be a four-metre tall robot with a giant face titled “Requiem for an Exit”. This is the entrance to a diverse world not limited to humans.PLANET SNOW: Starting Point“shigechanland”, the private art gallery in Tsubetsu, Hokkaido that is well-known to some, will make a large-scale appearance just for this winter, and its mysterious creatures will gather in Sapporo!In addition, making an appearance from Norway will be a four-metre tall robot with a giant face titled “Requiem for an Exit”. This is the entrance to a diverse world not limited to humans.

ONISHI Yasuaki “Stone on Boundary UT” 2024

SUZUKI Yuya “Phantoms Agora” 2019

Sapporo Odori 500-m Underground Walkway GalleryFree AdmissionSapporo Odori 500-m Underground Walkway GalleryFree Admission

PLANET SNOW UnderpassEven when it snows above, visitors can take their time enjoying artworks within this space that extends like an underpass.Here, two artists, ONISHI Yasuaki and SUZUKI Yuya, chosen from among over 80 applicants from within Japan and abroad, will put together exhibitions in their own displays measuring 48 metres long each.PLANET SNOW: UnderpassEven when it snows above, visitors can take their time enjoying artworks within this space that extends like an underpass.Here, two artists, ONISHI Yasuaki and SUZUKI Yuya, chosen from among over 80 applicants from within Japan and abroad, will put together exhibitions in their own displays measuring 48 metres long each.

Boris LABBÉ “Orogenesis” 2016 © ADAGP, Paris & JASPAR, Tokyo, 2027 E6447

UTSUMI Akiko “Before we come, After we came” 2026, Photo by YAMANAKA Shintaro (Qsyum!) ©Mixed Bathing World Executive Committee

Sapporo Science CenterTicket RequiredSapporo Science CenterTicket Required

PLANET SNOW Science CenterThrough theater, paintings, animations, and an installation, four artists transform the science center into an extraordinary journey.The space outside the science center will feature special outdoor programs unique to the winter season.PLANET SNOW: Science CenterThrough theater, paintings, animations, and an installation, four artists transform the science center into an extraordinary journey.The space outside the science center will feature special outdoor programs unique to the winter season.

ISHIGURO Hiroshi / FUTURE OF LIFE Laboratory “Yamatoroid” ©FUTURE OF LIFE

HIWA Kazuhiko “walkingpractice feat.HIWADROME” 2023

Hokkaido MuseumTicket RequiredHokkaido MuseumTicket Required

PLANET SNOW MuseumAn android created by ISHIGURO Hiroshi / FUTURE OF LIFE Laboratory will visit the Hokkaido Museum. Once this android gazes upon the museum, its ordinary exhibition hall will change into space where visitors can reconsider things with a perspective from the future.This perspective will raise the question of “what does it mean to be human”PLANET SNOW: MuseumAn android created by ISHIGURO Hiroshi / FUTURE OF LIFE Laboratory will visit the Hokkaido Museum. Once this android gazes upon the museum, its ordinary exhibition hall will change into space where visitors can reconsider things with a perspective from the future.This perspective will raise the question of “what does it mean to be human?”

Daytime Family FunDaytime | Family Fun

Photo by NAKAZATO Yuima

Moerenuma ParkFree AdmissionMoerenuma ParkFree Admission

PLANET SNOW PyramidHaving previously been presented in Paris, France and Oulu, Finland, fashion designer NAKAZATO Yuima’s collection “GLACIER” will be shown in Japan for the first time. fragmentin from Switzerland will also present a new work inspired by Sapporo’s snowy scenery.Together with international projects from the fields of art and technology, this glass pyramid within a snowy expanse will act as a stage for gazing at the environment surrounding humans as well as its future.PLANET SNOW: PyramidHaving previously been presented in Paris, France and Oulu, Finland, fashion designer NAKAZATO Yuima’s collection “GLACIER” will be shown in Japan for the first time. fragmentin from Switzerland will also present a new work inspired by Sapporo’s snowy scenery.Together with international projects from the fields of art and technology, this glass pyramid within a snowy expanse will act as a stage for gazing at the environment surrounding humans as well as its future.

Fujimori “My Code [snow crystals, trees and stars] ＋ My Monster” 2026, Photo by KUSUMI Erika

God Scorpion “Beginningless and Endless (VR)” 2023

Shiryokan Former Sapporo Court of AppealsFree AdmissionShiryokan (Former Sapporo Court of Appeals)Free Admission

PLANET SNOW SchoolAt this venue, which will become a school of the future, existing exhibition rooms will turn into “audiovisual rooms” and “workshops”.With an interactive display that uses AR and computer programming by four artists with connections to Hokkaido, and a “Future Arts and Craft Room” delivered by Wacom, a campus filled with learning and creativity will be born here.PLANET SNOW: SchoolAt this venue, which will become a school of the future, existing exhibition rooms will turn into “audiovisual rooms” and “workshops”.With an interactive display that uses AR and computer programming by four artists with connections to Hokkaido, and a “Future Arts and Craft Room” delivered by Wacom, a campus filled with learning and creativity will be born here.

IWAI Toshio “Let’s Create Together! The Snow House with 100 Stories” 2026

From the workshop “Let’s Create The Snow House with 100 Stories!”

Chuo Ward Office ComplexFree AdmissionChuo Ward Office ComplexFree Admission

PLANET SNOW City HallStep into a space for creation and exhibition made by the author of “The House with 100 Stories” Join workshops where you can collaborate with others to imagine the lives of the people on Planet Snow and create “The Snow House with 100 Stories”.This venue will also highlight IWAI Toshio’s distinctive creativity and the evolving process of his work.PLANET SNOW: City HallStep into a space for creation and exhibition made by the author of “The House with 100 Stories”! Join workshops where you can collaborate with others to imagine the lives of the people on Planet Snow and create “The Snow House with 100 Stories”.This venue will also highlight IWAI Toshio’s distinctive creativity and the evolving process of his work.

UTAGAWA Kunisada / UTAGAWA Hiroshige “Edo Genji: A Garden Covered with Snow, Parodying ‘The Tale of Genji’” 1854 (Ansei 1), Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art Collection *On display for half of the exhibition period

Hokkaido Museum of Modern ArtTicket RequiredHokkaido Museum of Modern ArtTicket Required

PLANET SNOW Art MuseumThis venue’s exhibition titled “Snow Upon Snow” is based on the theme of snow, inseparably paired with winter, focusing not only on its beauty, but also its fearsomeness and harshness.Paintings, ukiyo-e prints, glass works, and ceramics from the museum’s collection will be featured to present visitors with varied expressions of snow.PLANET SNOW: Art MuseumThis venue’s exhibition titled “Snow Upon Snow” is based on the theme of snow, inseparably paired with winter, focusing not only on its beauty, but also its fearsomeness and harshness.Paintings, ukiyo-e prints, glass works, and ceramics from the museum’s collection will be featured to present visitors with varied expressions of snow.

Nighttime Dynamic ImmersionNighttime | Dynamic Immersion

ENESS “IWAGUMI Air Scape” Photo by Finbarr FALLON

ENESS “SNOWFISH”

Sapporo Snow Festival Odori SiteFree AdmissionSapporo Snow Festival Odori SiteFree Admission

PLANET SNOW PlazaThis is a snowy plaza where anyone can gather. Here, the large-scale installation “IWAGUMI Air Scape” by art and technology studio ENESS will make an appearance. These boulder-shaped balloons reaching up to 14 metres tall are not to be missed.This, together with Nikken Sekkei’s environmental design, will magically change the scenery of Sapporo Snow Festival.PLANET SNOW: PlazaThis is a snowy plaza where anyone can gather. Here, the large-scale installation “IWAGUMI Air Scape” by art and technology studio ENESS will make an appearance. These boulder-shaped balloons reaching up to 14 metres tall are not to be missed.This, together with Nikken Sekkei’s environmental design, will magically change the scenery of Sapporo Snow Festival.

Nakajima Park VenuePartner VenueNakajima Park VenuePartner Venue

サイアフ2027 Sapporo White Illuminationサイアフ will join this popular winter event to direct its latest venue ENESS’s newest work “SNOWFISH” will premiere at Sapporo White Illumination’s Nakajima Park venue.January 9 Sat28 Thu, 2027SIAF2027 × Sapporo White IlluminationSIAF will join this popular winter event to direct its latest venue! ENESS’s newest work “SNOWFISH” will premiere at Sapporo White Illumination’s Nakajima Park venue.January 9 (Sat)–28 (Thu), 2027

ADA SUIKEI Creators “Breezy Stonescape” 2023 ©Nacása & Partners Inc.

AOAO SAPPOROTicket RequiredAOAO SAPPOROTicket Required

PLANET SNOW AquariumAOAO SAPPORO’s “Nature Aquarium”, which incorporates the beauty of ecosystems and nature, was a source of inspiration for ENESS’s “IWAGUMI Air Scape”. Here, visitors will be able to engage with life within water, and reflect on nature and its cycles.In addition to the aquarium’s regular exhibitions, a work from ENESS will also make a special appearance.PLANET SNOW: AquariumAOAO SAPPORO’s “Nature Aquarium”, which incorporates the beauty of ecosystems and nature, was a source of inspiration for ENESS’s “IWAGUMI Air Scape”. Here, visitors will be able to engage with life within water, and reflect on nature and its cycles.In addition to the aquarium’s regular exhibitions, a work from ENESS will also make a special appearance.

Programs Extending into the EveningsPrograms Extending into the Evenings

KURIBAYASHI Takashi “Genki-ro / No.0 Toyama” 2020, Nizayama Forest Art Museum, Nyuzen-cho, Toyama, Japan, Photo by SHIZUNO Rai

In the evenings, artist video works will be projected onto the Sapporo soft stone walls of the Shiryokan Former Sapporo Court of Appeals, an important cultural property of Japan

The interactive artwork “Genki-ro” by KURIBAYASHI Takashi, an artist active across the world, will be displayed near the Sapporo Science Center from January 16 to February 21, 2027, featuring special programs available from day to night on select dates.In the evenings, artist video works will be projected onto the Sapporo soft stone walls of the Shiryokan (Former Sapporo Court of Appeals), an important cultural property of Japan!

The interactive artwork “Genki-ro” by KURIBAYASHI Takashi, an artist active across the world, will be displayed near the Sapporo Science Center from January 16 to February 21, 2027, featuring special programs available from day to night on select dates.

Event Highlights of 37 Days of PLANET SNOWEvent Highlights of 37 Days of PLANET SNOW

Welcome to PLANET SNOW Welcome EventWelcome to PLANET SNOW Welcome Event

January 16 Sat, 2027 at several サイアフ2027 venues 13時17時 tentativePrevious サイアフ directors will join the サイアフ2027 Director Team to welcome you on-site. Stay tuned to find out which director you’ll meet where.January 16 (Sat), 2027 at several SIAF2027 venues | 13:00–17:00 (tentative)Previous SIAF directors will join the SIAF2027 Director Team to welcome you on-site. Stay tuned to find out which director you’ll meet where.

Opening ConcertOpening Concert

January 16 Sat, 2027 at Sapporo Chikamatsu Minami 4-jo Nishi 14-chome 1-32, Chuo-ku from 19時 tentativeOTOMO Yoshihide and Hokkaido Big Band will light up the opening nightJanuary 16 (Sat), 2027 at Sapporo Chikamatsu (Minami 4-jo Nishi 14-chome 1-32, Chuo-ku) | from 19:00 (tentative)OTOMO Yoshihide and Hokkaido Big Band will light up the opening night!

Local Resonance Mobility and Regional IdentityLocal Resonance: Mobility and Regional Identity

January 18 Mon, 2027 at Sapporo Municipal Library and Information Center Sapporo Community Plaza, Kita 1-jo Nishi 1-chome, Chuo-ku 18時19時30分Directors based in Japan and Lithuania and artists who joined residency exchanges between the two countries discuss the potential of AIR artist-in-residence programs.Organised by Delegation of the European Union to Japan In cooperation with Tenjinyama Art Studio, Nida Art Colony LithuaniaJanuary 18 (Mon), 2027 at Sapporo Municipal Library and Information Center (Sapporo Community Plaza, Kita 1-jo Nishi 1-chome, Chuo-ku) | 18:00–19:30Directors based in Japan and Lithuania and artists who joined residency exchanges between the two countries discuss the potential of AIR (artist-in-residence) programs.Organised by: Delegation of the European Union to Japan; In cooperation with: Tenjinyama Art Studio, Nida Art Colony (Lithuania)

How to Travel Planet SnowHow to Travel Planet Snow

January 23 Sat, 2027 at SCARTS Studio Sapporo Community Plaza, Kita 1-jo Nishi 1-chome, Chuo-ku 15時16時30分Editor-in-chief of travel guide series “Chikyu no Arukikata” Globe-Trotter Travel Guidebook will participate in a talk alongside サイアフ2027’s Artistic Director.January 23 (Sat), 2027 at SCARTS Studio (Sapporo Community Plaza, Kita 1-jo Nishi 1-chome, Chuo-ku) | 15:00–16:30Editor-in-chief of travel guide series “Chikyu no Arukikata” (Globe-Trotter Travel Guidebook) will participate in a talk alongside SIAF2027’s Artistic Director.

STEAM STUDY FESSTEAM STUDY FES

February 13 Sat, 2027 at Chuo Ward Office Complex Citizens Hall Minami 3-jo Nishi 11-chome 330-2, Chuo-ku 10時17時A day filled with workshops and talk programs based around the theme of STEAM science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.February 13 (Sat), 2027 at Chuo Ward Office Complex Citizens Hall (Minami 3-jo Nishi 11-chome 330-2, Chuo-ku) | 10:00–17:00A day filled with workshops and talk programs based around the theme of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics).

Closing TalkClosing Talk

February 21 Sun, 2027 at SCARTS Studio 17時18時30分 tentativeThe サイアフ2027 Director Team and Mayor of Sapporo reflect on 37 days of the festival.February 21 (Sun), 2027 at SCARTS Studio | 17:00–18:30 (tentative)The SIAF2027 Director Team and Mayor of Sapporo reflect on 37 days of the festival.

Stay tuned for other live events, artist talks, workshops, and more. Check our website for the event schedule.Stay tuned for other live events, artist talks, workshops, and more. Check our website for the event schedule.

サイアフ2027 Theme SongSIAF2027 Theme Song

LAUSBUB

The theme song “holo” by Sapporo-based music group LAUSBUB has been finalised. The song will be unveiled in a サイアフ2027 promotional video ahead of its release on December 16The theme song “holo” by Sapporo-based music group LAUSBUB has been finalised. The song will be unveiled in a SIAF2027 promotional video ahead of its release on December 16!

Tickets and PLANET SNOW FIELD GUIDETickets and PLANET SNOW FIELD GUIDE

Sapporo Citizens Gallery TicketSapporo Citizens Gallery Ticket

Sapporo Citizens Gallery Photo by KUSUMI Erika

The unlimited access pass for the Sapporo Citizens Gallery goes on sale on Oct 27 on our official website. Advance tickets can be purchased online only.The unlimited access pass for the Sapporo Citizens Gallery goes on sale on Oct 27 on our official website. Advance tickets can be purchased online only.

• * Admission fees apply for other paid venues Sapporo Science Center, Hokkaido Museum, Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art, and AOAO SAPPORO. Tickets can be purchased at each venue’s ticket counter or website.Admission fees apply for other paid venues (Sapporo Science Center, Hokkaido Museum, Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art, and AOAO SAPPORO). Tickets can be purchased at each venue’s ticket counter or website.

PLANET SNOW FIELD GUIDEPLANET SNOW FIELD GUIDE

Deepen your サイアフ2027 experience with the “PLANET SNOW FIELD GUIDE”, featuring exclusive artist commentary insights. Available for purchase at selected venues.Deepen your SIAF2027 experience with the “PLANET SNOW FIELD GUIDE”, featuring exclusive artist commentary & insights. Available for purchase at selected venues.

Accommodation Plan Including サイアフ TicketAccommodation Plan Including SIAF Ticket

In cooperation with partner hotels, a special accommodation plan including a Sapporo Citizens Gallery Ticket and limited edition サイアフ2027 merchandise is now on sale. With this plan, you will be able to enjoy a special winter art journey unique to Sapporo while staying at a partner hotel and exploring with the Field Guide in your hand.In cooperation with partner hotels, a special accommodation plan including a Sapporo Citizens Gallery Ticket and limited edition SIAF2027 merchandise is now on sale. With this plan, you will be able to enjoy a special winter art journey unique to Sapporo while staying at a partner hotel and exploring with the Field Guide in your hand.

Let’s Upaste 2027 Sapporo Winter Arts TourLet’s Upaste!! 2027 Sapporo Winter Arts Tour

Photo by KUSUMI Erika

This program allows visitors to travel around different winter art events. In addition to collaborations with cultural facilities and universities during the サイアフ2027 festival period, a wide range of culture and art programs that fit with サイアフ2027’s theme have been recruited, and collaborations with 13 events have been confirmed. Information on these events can be viewed on the official サイアフ website.This program allows visitors to travel around different winter art events. In addition to collaborations with cultural facilities and universities during the SIAF2027 festival period, a wide range of culture and art programs that fit with SIAF2027’s theme have been recruited, and collaborations with 13 events have been confirmed. Information on these events can be viewed on the official SIAF website.

ThemeTheme

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.

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

DatesDates

OverviewOverview

TitleTitle

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 five venues below. Sapporo Science Center January 5 Tue February 21 Sun, 2027 Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art January 9 Sat April 11 Sun, 2027 Sapporo Odori 500-m Underground Walkway Gallery January 16 Sat March 24 Wed, 2027 Sapporo Snow Festival Odori Site February 4 Thu 21 Sun, 2027 Odori Park Nishi 2-chome AOAO SAPPORO January 9 Sat February 21 Sun, 2027January 16 (Sat) – February 21 (Sun), 2027
*Some venues will be closed on certain days.

*Exhibition dates differ for the five venues below.
・Sapporo Science Center: January 5 (Tue) – February 21 (Sun), 2027
・Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art: January 9 (Sat) – April 11 (Sun), 2027
・Sapporo Odori 500-m Underground Walkway Gallery: January 16 (Sat) – March 24 (Wed), 2027
・Sapporo Snow Festival Odori Site: February 4 (Thu) – 21 (Sun), 2027 (Odori Park Nishi 2-chome)
・AOAO SAPPORO: January 9 (Sat) – February 21 (Sun), 2027

VenuesVenues

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 SAPPORO Partner Venue Sapporo White Illumination Nakajima Park Venue [Dates January 9 Sat 28 Thu, 2027]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 SAPPORO
Partner Venue: Sapporo White Illumination Nakajima Park Venue [Dates: January 9 (Sat) – 28 (Thu), 2027]

ArtistsArtists

Sapporo Citizens Gallery ARAMAKI Haruka / Cecilia BENGOLEA / Fanja BOUTS / CHEN Xi / Alexandra Daisy GINSBERG / KAWAKAMI Rie / Akkarawin KRAIRIKSH / MORI Yuka / The Observatory / Frode OLDEREID and Thomas KVAM / Bagus PANDEGA / shigechanland ONISHI Shigenari / WAKAKI Kurumi Sapporo Science Center HOTEHAMA Taku / KURIBAYASHI Takashi / Boris LABBÉ / UTSUMI Akiko / WADA Nagara Hokkaido Museum HIWA Kazuhiko / ISHIGURO Hiroshi / FUTURE OF LIFE Laboratory / Mayunkiki Moerenuma Park fragmentin / NAKAZATO Yuima Shiryokan Former Sapporo Court of Appeals AKIMOTO Sanae / Fujimori / God Scorpion / SATAKE Maki Chuo Ward Office Complex IWAI Toshio Sapporo Snow Festival Odori Site ENESS Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art Artists from the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art Collection Sapporo Odori 500-m Underground Walkway Gallery ONISHI Yasuaki / SUZUKI Yuya AOAO SAPPORO ADA SUIKEI Creators / ENESS Projects HIWA Kazuhiko / LAUSBUBSapporo Citizens Gallery: ARAMAKI Haruka / Cecilia BENGOLEA / Fanja BOUTS / CHEN Xi / Alexandra Daisy GINSBERG / KAWAKAMI Rie / Akkarawin KRAIRIKSH / MORI Yuka / The Observatory / Frode OLDEREID and Thomas KVAM / Bagus PANDEGA / shigechanland (ONISHI Shigenari) / WAKAKI Kurumi
Sapporo Science Center: HOTEHAMA Taku / KURIBAYASHI Takashi / Boris LABBÉ / UTSUMI Akiko / WADA Nagara
Hokkaido Museum: HIWA Kazuhiko / ISHIGURO Hiroshi / FUTURE OF LIFE Laboratory / Mayunkiki
Moerenuma Park: fragmentin / NAKAZATO Yuima
Shiryokan (Former Sapporo Court of Appeals): AKIMOTO Sanae / Fujimori / God Scorpion / SATAKE Maki
Chuo Ward Office Complex: IWAI Toshio
Sapporo Snow Festival Odori Site: ENESS
Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art: Artists from the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art Collection
Sapporo Odori 500-m Underground Walkway Gallery: ONISHI Yasuaki / SUZUKI Yuya
AOAO SAPPORO: ADA SUIKEI Creators / ENESS
Projects: HIWA Kazuhiko / LAUSBUB

Initiative PartnersInitiative Partners

Arukikata. Co., Ltd. / KOKUYO CO., LTD. / Nikkei Inc. / Nikken Sekkei Ltd / Sony Group Corporation / Startbahn, Inc. / Wacom Co., Ltd.Arukikata. Co., Ltd. / KOKUYO CO., LTD. / Nikkei Inc. / Nikken Sekkei Ltd / Sony Group Corporation / Startbahn, Inc. / Wacom Co., Ltd.

Official PartnersOfficial Partners

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)

CuratorsCurators

KANAZAWA Kodama Sapporo Citizens Gallery Venue Curator / NISHI Tsubasa Sapporo Science Center Venue Curator ISOGAI Nayuta Sapporo Science Center / SUZUKI Akiyo Hokkaido Museum / TAKEMURA 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) / TAKEMURA 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]

OrganizersOrganizers

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 Relations / British Council / Embassy of France in Japan/Institut français du Japon / Austrian Cultural Forum Tokyo / Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia / Mondriaan FundAgency 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) / British Council / Embassy of France in Japan/Institut français du Japon / Austrian Cultural Forum Tokyo / Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia / Mondriaan Fund

CooperationCooperation

New Chitose Airport International Animation FestivalNew Chitose Airport International Animation Festival