Japan-Korea art and culture exchange
IRON ROAD PROJECT
(※2)Illustration source: Excerpt from Myth: Tatara iron making and the Japanese sword (2) Introduction of iron making and the pitfalls of ancient studies
Sponsored by General Incorporated Association IKUHART Planning,
Japan-Korea Art and Culture Exchange Project Executive Committee
Construction of East Asian 21st Century Art
The nonprofit organization IKUHART Project aims to promote international exchange through art. As a starting point, we plan to initiate exchange activities with our neighboring country, South Korea, with the keywords "Iron and Contemporary Art."
Why "Iron"? This choice is closely related to the historical and geographical characteristics of Awaji Island, where our organization is based. Awaji Island is said to be the birthplace of iron processing in Japan. In the northeastern part of the island, in Ikuha, there exists a site in ruins from the late Yayoi period (300 BCE~300CE) known as the "Gossakaito Site," which shows evidence of iron processing traces for the first time in Japanese history(※1)
Interestingly, while there are traces of iron processing on the island, there is no evidence of iron mining or production. How did iron find its way to Ikuha and get processed there? Unfortunately, there is still no definitive historical evidence to explain this occurrence. However, looking at the history of diplomatic missions between Japan and Korea, it has been hypothesized that iron manufacturing techniques were brought from Korea together with the raw iron itself. Awaji Island might have been a stop point along the route connecting Korea and Kyoto in Japan ( passing by the Tsushima and Iki Islands, crossing the Seto Inland Sea to reach Yamato sovereign).(※2)
The IKUHART Project intends to name this sea route from South Korea's iron production region, "Kaya," to Ikuha on Awaji Island, the "Iron Road." The project's main focus is to have contemporary artists retrace the history of past generations who crossed the seas, used their hands to create tools, and engaged in multiple exchanges. By revisiting and reenacting the activities of these ancient people, we aim to reconstruct the cultural ties between Japan and South Korea through "Iron and Contemporary Art."
Currently, there is growing enthusiasm for exchanges with South Korea in various sectors. In August 2023, our organization visited South Korea and conducted discussions with the Daegu Artists Association and artists from Jeonju City. As a result, we have received their full cooperation. As good neighbors in East Asia and fellow creators, we will contribute to the internationalization of Japanese art by jointly promoting the revitalization of East Asian 21st-century art.
(※1) From Awaji City Board of Education Gossakaito Iseki Ruins Materials
(※2) Excerpt from Myth: Tatara iron making and the Japanese sword (2) Introduction of iron making and the
pitfalls of ancient studies
International Aspects of the Project
- Japan-Korea Exchange:
Our organization operates with the goal of international cultural exchange and the establishment of a receiving base for such activities. We place particular emphasis on exchanges with artists from various countries, starting with South Korean. With "Iron" as the keyword, we will initiate exchanges with artists from South Korea. We aim to achieve mutual understanding and sustained exchanges through art.
- IKUHART Project:
In 2020, our organization acquired an iron workshop , which had been in disuse, on Awaji Island in the Osaka vicinity and launched IKUHART Project, a platform for exchange through art. The project encompasses two main pillars: art activities and marine-related initiatives. In terms of art activities, we invited young Japanese artists last year and organized the Ikuha Art Festival as a start. In marine-related initiatives, we are engaged in environmental conservation and educational activities. For our next step in art activities, we envision creating an international exchange platform, "Artist-in-Residence" in Ikuha (Awaji Island).
- Awaji Island, Ikuha and the Gossakaito Site:
Ikuha boasts the Gossakaito Site, which dates back to the Yayoi period and indicates iron processing activities. While there are traces of iron processing on the island, there is no evidence of iron mining or production. Therefore, we are preparing for an empirical experiment to trace the history of Iron processing, iron manufacturing technology and iron samples being introduced from South Korea to Awaji Island , aiming to prove that this is where iron processing in Japan started. We believe it is possible to promote the region through art centered around the existing ‘Gossakaito Site ruins’ and ‘Iron’ characteristic of this region.
- Art-based Empirical Experiment and Positioning of the Iron Road Connecting Gaya and Awaji Island:
We are not history researchers, we are people dedicated to exploring contemporary art. However, we believe that we can contribute to historical verification through creative activities. From the Gossakaito Site in Ikuha, we can see the Seto Inland Sea, and beyond it, we are aware of the presence of Korea. I imagine that iron was brought from Korea to Japan in ancient times. Iron processing techniques traveled from the continent to Korea and then to Japan. A grand narrative unfolds before us. From Ikuha on Awaji Island, through the Seto Inland Sea, to the iron production region of Gaya in Korea. This sea route that we have decided to call the "Iron Road."
Business Plan
- Establishment of Collaborative Spaces:
By promoting mutual exchange between Japanese and Korean artists, we can expect to create an international "collaborative space." This is not limited to bilateral interactions but extends to IKUHART Project's two main domains: art and marine-related initiatives. This initiative, which involves collaboration between two different fields, has the potential to shape the "next stage" of contemporary art and propose a new approach to humanity and a sustainable future.
- "IRON ROAD PROJECT" Connecting Japan and Korea through Iron:
Our organization renovated the abandoned iron workshop site in Ikuha into an art studio, IKUHART STUDIO, and held iron-working workshops in 2020. In 2022, we organized a symposium titled "Islands of Origin and Iron." Simultaneously, we launched the Artist-in-Residence program. As an initial step, we invited young artists from Japan who use iron as a medium, and we held the Ikuha Art Festival in 2022. In August of the same year, we supported the artists from overseas who were invited to participate.
Moving forward, we aim to further enhance the Artist-in-Residence program, increase opportunities and spaces for exchange with foreign artists, and create a platform to unleash the overflowing energy of young people who can be the ones shaping the future. As the first step in this international exchange, we will interact with Korean artists, conduct residency-based productions at the IKUHART STUDIO, engage in discussions, create art, and hold the "Japan-Korea Artist Exchange Exhibition". In parallel with these activities, we will invite history researchers to collaborate on a joint study of the history of iron processing and manufacturing techniques being introduced from Korea into Japan. These researchers, together with artists and other participants, will transport artworks and iron materials by sea, process them at the IKUHART STUDIO, and conduct research and historical analysis by reenacting the activities of the time. To answer the question: Why Awaji Island?/Why does it first appear on Awaji Island?
Implementation schedule
2023-08: Preliminary meeting with the Korean Artists Association (Travel to Korea from August 7th to 10th).
2023-09: Project preparations (Establishment of the Operations Committee, Various subsidy applications).
2023-11: Community collaboration projects (Exhibition by Masamichi Kawano, SHIDO Earth Museum).
2023-12: Operations Committee.
2024-09: 1st Exchange Project (Invitation of Korean artists for residency and creation).
2024-11: Japan-Korea Exchange Exhibition (Community collaboration, SHIDO Earth Museum (tentative)).
2024-12: Operations Committee.
2025-05: 2nd Exchange Project (Japanese artists traveling to Korea).
2025-06 to 08: Sea route Japan-Korea Exchange (Iron Road Project 2025) (Artist exchange, Historical and cultural researchers exchange).
2025-09 to 10: 3rd Exchange Project (Open production, Collaborative production between Japan and Korea).
2025-11: Exhibition (Community collaboration, SHIDO Earth Museum (tentative)).
2025-12: Operations Committee (Compilation of records).
2026-01: Publication.
2026-02: 4th Exchange Project (Art Symposium - Sea and Environment).
2026-06 to 09: Ikuma International Sculpture Symposium 2026. (tentative)
2026-10: Exhibition (Regional collaboration, Earth Museum SHIDO (tentative))
2026-12: Steering Committee (record collection)
2027-01: Document of Iron Road project. Publication
First Year (2024) Project Overview
The current IKUHART STUDIO, located at the former iron workshop, has most of the tools required for metalworking. However, it lacks water facilities, toilets, and air conditioning. Especially during hot seasons, the conditions are poor. Rest facilities are essential, especially as international exchanges are planned, proper amenities for working and living spaces.
Additionally, while a space for producing three-dimensional works is available, there is no space for creating and exhibiting two-dimensional artwork, so improvements will be made.
2024-04: Start IKUHART STUDIO Project and Artist-in-Residence
2024-09: Invite South Korean artists for stay-and-create exchange at IKUHART STUDIO (Artist-in-Residence program)
2024-11: Japan-Korea Artists' Exchange Exhibition
First Year Goals
- Preparation of IKUHART STUDIO and Artist-in-Residence.
- Invitation of South Korean artists for stay-and-create exchange at IKUHART STUDIO (Artist-in-Residence program).
- Hosting of Japan-Korea Artists' Exchange Exhibition.
- Organizing a Japan-Korea Ancient History Researchers' Exchange Meeting.
Locations of Implementation:
Ikuha on Awaji Island, Toyo Island, Gunke, and others.
Reason for Choosing these Locations:
Due to the presence of the Gotōgaki-uchi archaeological site, which has been a site for iron processing since ancient times.
Participants:
6 individuals (including 2 from outside Japan, from South Korea)
Staff:
10 individuals (including 2 from outside Japan, from South Korea)
Attendees/Participants (total during the period):
500 people (including 30 from outside Japan, from South Korea and the United States)
Methods of Attracting Foreign Participants:
Conducting promotional activities in the Korean language through Korean art organizations and announcements of the event.
Second Year (2025) Project Overview
In the first year, following the development of the IKUHART STUDIO at the former iron workshop, new studios capable of ceramics and woodworking will be newly constructed. While an electric kiln is available for ceramics, the electrical facilities needed for its operation are currently lacking, so these will be installed.
2025-04: Preparation of the IKUHART STUDIO and Artist-in-Residence.
Construction of studios for ceramics and woodworking.
2025-05: Japanese artists will travel to South Korea, engage in on-site creative exchanges with South Korean artists, and transport raw materials such as iron from South Korea to Japan by sea (artist exchanges, exchanges among historical and cultural researchers).
2025-07: Processing of raw materials at the IKUHART STUDIO.
2025-11: Japan-Korea Artists' Exchange Exhibition.
2026-02: The Ikuha International Sculpture Symposium "Sea and Environment - Creating Sustainable Regional Culture" will be held.
Second Year Goals
- Construction and development of the IKUHART STUDIO and Artist-in-Residence.
- Bringing Japanese artists to South Korea for on-site exchanges with South Korean artists and transporting raw materials like iron from South Korea to Japan by sea.
- Processing raw materials at IKUHART STUDIO.
- Hosting a Japan-Korea Artists' Exchange Exhibition.
- Holding the Ikuha International Cultural Symposium (Artist exchanges, exchanges among historical and cultural researchers).
Implementation Locations:
Ikuha on Awaji Island, Toyo Island, Gunke, and others.
Reason for Choosing these Locations:
The presence of the Gotōgaki-uchi archaeological site, which has been a site for iron processing since ancient times.
Performers:
6 individuals (including 4 from outside Japan, from South Korea).
Staff:
10 individuals (including 2 from outside Japan, from South Korea).
Attendees/Participants (total during the period):
500 people (including 30 from outside Japan, from South Korea and the United States).
Methods of Attracting Foreign Participants:
Conducting promotional activities in the Korean language through Korean art organizations and event announcements.
COVID-19 Prevention Measures
- Stringent measures for infection prevention, including regular hand washing and disinfection.
- If any events occur that hinder the project's implementation, construction and development work will be carried out to the extent possible.
- If travel to South Korea is not possible, the transportation of raw materials will be suspended. Instead, online sharing of production processes and exchanges will be conducted. Online production processes involve artists filming their work and uploading videos to YouTube. Subsequently, participants will watch these videos and hold discussion sessions via Zoom. The Japan-Korea Artists' Exchange Exhibition will be conducted online. A website will be created to showcase artwork and provide information about the artists and their work.
- The symposium will be conducted without a live audience and will be available for public viewing online.
Collaboration Strategy
The Iron Road Project is planned for a duration of two years, and prior to its launch in 2024 and 2025, the Executive Director of the organization held preliminary discussions with the Daegu Artists' Association in South Korea in August 2023 to confirm cooperation between Japan and South Korea.
Base Development Project - Artist-in-Residence
- Through the establishment and enhancement of Artist-in-Residence programs
IKUHART aims to provide a creative workspace for aspiring artists. Domestic and international artists will reside and create at these spaces, fostering interactions with the local community via shared time and space. This approach aims to awaken the creative potential in every individual and encourage self-expression. It also seeks to grow alongside a society and community that can appreciate and benefit from these endeavors.
- New direction for the art space
The themes we emphasize are "cooperation with local communities" as well as "nurturing young artists and providing a place for creative activities." To achieve these goals, we will carry out the following activities:
- A project that takes advantage of local characteristics, creates and presents art that harmonizes with nature.
- Holding symposiums and related workshops about the ocean and the environment
- Development of international artist-in-residence
These projects are expected to not only have a ripple effect on the local community, but also bring a new direction to the way Japanese art spaces should be and how to think about them, sparking a new wave of sustainability.
- Post-Art Festival
Instead of conventional art festivals, IKUHART aims for sustainable, community-rooted art activities and international exchanges. The focus is on creative activities that contribute to future growth alongside the community, rather than commercialism.
Public Relations Plan
2024
- Announcements through various events by the Hyogo Prefecture's Art de Genki Network.
- Coordination with public relations activities of Awaji City.
- Distribution of posters and flyers in various locations in Hyogo Prefecture.
- Online announcements and promotion through the website.
- Bulletin board and exhibition space in front of IKUHART STUDIO.
- Media outreach to NHK Kobe Broadcasting Station, Kobe Newspaper, etc.
- Promotional efforts in both Japan and Korea.
2025
- Information presented on the website.
- Announcement through Awaji City's public relations activities and poster displays.
- Poster displays through the Hyogo Prefecture's Art de Genki Network.
- Bulletin board and exhibition space in front of IKUHART STUDIO.
- Outreach to various media outlets.
- IKUHART Project Website URL: https://ikuhart-kikaku.jimdosite.com
- Posters, postcards, and flyers for the Japan-Korea International Exchange Exhibition.
- Posters, postcards, and flyers for the Ikuha International Sculpture Symposium.
- Documentation of the Japan-Korea Art and Culture Exchange Program.
- Budget Statement (Separate Document)
Organization Overview
- General Incorporated Association IKUHART Project
- Representative Director: Jun Tamba (Artist Name: JUN TAMBA, Visiting Professor at Osaka University of Arts, Honorary Professor at Kobe University)
- Advisory Director: Yasufumi Tominaga (Awaji City Council Member)
- Executive Director: Futo Seito (Secretary-General)
- Directors: Taiio Niki (Art Project Bureau), Masamichi Kawano
Objectives
IKUHART Project aims to establish a base for disseminating art to society and promoting the discovery and dissemination of the region's charm. It conducts art-related activities using iron as a focal point, engages in activities related to the sea, including Awaji Island's unique characteristics, and enhances the awareness of Awaji Island's natural heritage, historical and cultural heritage.
History
2020-01-15: Establishment.
2020 - 2021: Converted the Ikuha Ironworks site into a multifunctional art studio.
2021-10-21: Received accreditation as a General Incorporated Association.
2022-03: Held the Iron and Art Symposium.
2022-05: Organized the Ikuha Art Beach Cleanup.
2022-06: Held the "Birthplace Island: Sea and Environment" Exhibition.
2022-07: Organized a Camp Event on a Deserted Island.
2022-08: Commenced the Artist-in-Residence Program.
2022-10: Held the Ikuha Arts Festival 2023.
2022-10: Conducted the Gotōchōgaki-uchi Archaeological Site Symposium.
2022-11: Organized the Awaji Sea and Environment Symposium.
2023-02: Created environmental art with students on a school trip.
2023-08: Preparatory discussions for Japan-Korea Art and Culture Exchange.
2023-11: Community Cooperation Project "SHIDO: Museum of Soil."
Office Address
General Incorporated Association IKUHART Project
65 Ikuha, Awaji City, Hyogo 656-1602, Japan
Office: +81 90-3651-7776
IKUHART Project Website URL: https://ikuhart-kikaku.jimdosite.com
Bank Information
Yucho Bank, Ikuha Branch
Account Number: 8830331
Account Name: IKUHART Project