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A Historic Preservation & Cultural Education Initiative - Nanto City, Japan

Press Coverage on Farewell Exhibition at Inami Art Museum

Kitanippon News (Northern Japan Newspaper)

Experience 32 years of history of Inami Art Museum

Final exhibition at Inami Art Museum has begun

Nanto. November 21, 2019

Inami Art Museum in Nanto City, scheduled to close down at the end of December 2019, is having its final exhibition beginning November 20, 2019. (Curator: Mr. Nobuhisa Tsuchida)

Art works such as sculpture, crafts and photographs are exhibited at the venue. Disappointed about the closing of the museum after 32 years of operation, Curator Tsuchida commented, “We include a variety of art works by many artists, including those no longer with us. We would like the visitors to experience the art works created through the timeline of the museum.” Established in 1987, Inami Art Museum housed in the Chuetsu Bank’s branch building built in the mid-1920’s. In agreement with Nanto City government, the facility has since been managed by volunteers from the Inami Art Association. However, as the building is not seismic-proofed, the city concluded that it is difficult to keep operating it as a public facility. As a result, they decided to close down the museum when the contract with Inami Art Association expires. The local community is exploring ways to re-purpose the building and preserve it.

The art museum and the Inami Art Association jointly hold an exhibition, bringing together art works representing the journey of the museum, to showcase the rich history of the museum.

Art works including sculpture, photographs, crafts, calligraphies and paintings by 52 active and deceased members included in the exhibition (one work from each artist). Works include Mr. Takeki Yokoyama’s sculpture, who received the Special Commendation at Nitten (the Japan Arts Exhibition), a lacquer panel by Mr. Noriyoshi Shikanji as well as a photograph by Ms. Yoshiko Annen capturing the softness of sunlight filtered through foliage.

The exhibition will be held until December 22, 2019. It is supported by The Kitanippon Shimbun (Northern Japan Newspaper). An appreciation party will be held in December 1, 2019 for invited guests.

(Photo: Exhibition space with various art works by members)

Kitanippon News (Northern Japan Newspaper)

井波美術館12月で閉館　地元芸術をけん引32年　

11月20日から最後の企画展

Inami Art Museum to close in December after 32 years of local art showcasing. Final Exhibition begins November 20.

November 13, 2019

Inami Art Museum (Curator: Mr. Nobuhisa Tsuchida) in Nanto city will be closed down at the end of December in 2019. As the building is not seismic-proofed, the city concluded that it is difficult to keep operating it as a public facility. Therefore, with regret, the museum will end its 32-year long history. Starting from the end of this month, it will hold its final exhibition. Locals are calling for new ways to use the building (Mr. Yu Masahashi, Director of Fukuno, Inami branch)

Established in 1987, Inami Art Museum untilized the vacant Chuetsu Bank’s branch building built in the mid-1920’s. Its distinctive Renaissance style exterior is iconic to the historic town. The facility has been managed by volunteers from the Inami Art Association with agreement from the Nanto City government.

The city initially discussed transfer of building ownership with the art association, but the plan has to be abandoned due to the financial responsibility. The city then decided to list the building for sale, this is being postponed as local stakeholders are exploring new ways to preserve and re-use the building.

Although the local community desires to maintain the building, the lease of the building from the government will expire at the end of December, 2019. Mr. Yoshiki Kawata, the chairman of the association commented “Of course we want to continue operation of the museum. However, the closure is an unavoidable decision as aging of the managing members is an issue and it is challenging for them to keep involving in the operation.”

The final exhibition by the museum and the art association will be held from November 20 to December 22, 2019. Art works including sculpture, photographs, crafts, calligraphies and paintings by 52 active and deceased members included in the exhibition (one work from each artist). Curator Tsuchida says “Art works by our members of different era will be exhibited. I hope visitors will get to learn the history of our museum.”