"The Development of the Artist in Residence Program at the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park – Emphasizing Localism on an  International Stage – Isn’t That What Culture Is?"

Michio Sugiyama
Director, Shigaraki Ceramic Culturel Park

Pottery is one important facet of Japanese culture. Among Japanese  pottery, Shigaraki ware, one of the Six Ancient Kilns, boasts a history of more than 1250 years.

The Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park was established by Shiga Prefecture some 18 years ago. Over these 18 years, over 700 artists from 42 countries have come to Shigaraki to create work at the Ceramic  Cultural Park.

Why do so many artists come to Shigaraki from all over the world? 
There are many reasons, but two important elements are the cultural background based on the long history of Japanese ceramics, along with the rich resources – material, technological, and mechanical – that can be found in a traditional pottery-producing town.

This lecture will analyze the relationship between the Artist in  Residence program at the Ceramic Cultural Park and the special  characteristics of Shigaraki as a pottery-producing town.

Michio Sugiyama

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