Kamiyama, a charming town nestled in the mountains of Japan, has a unique secret to its continued allure: the Kamiyama Artist in Residence program (KAIR). Launched in 1999, KAIR is an international art project born from the desire to address the challenges of depopulation and economic decline in the region. It’s the brainchild of Green Valley, a non-profit organization, and a testament to the power of art to revitalize communities.
Each year, from late August to November, KAIR invites two to three artists from around the globe to Kamiyama for a two-and-a-half-month residency. This program provides them with a space to create and exhibit their work, injecting fresh energy and inspiration into the town. The roots of Green Valley, and subsequently KAIR, can be traced back to 1991 with the “Alice’s Homecoming” project. Nobuya Onan, then a PTA officer at the local elementary school, spearheaded a movement to bring a “blue-eyed doll” gifted by the United States back to its home country. This project sparked a passion for community-driven development in Onan, who had grown up in Kamiyama and returned after studying at Stanford University. He, along with his childhood friends and fellow PTA members, embarked on a journey of fostering international exchange for the benefit of their children. KAIR emerged organically from this dedication to enriching the lives of the community.
桂子工藤, KAIR’s director, highlights the program’s unique approach: “KAIR is entirely open to applications, and the Green Valley ‘おっちゃんたち’ (a term of endearment for the first generation of members) personally select artists who they believe will bring joy and surprise to Kamiyama. They then fully support the artists, from their daily lives to the production and installation of their art.” The people of Kamiyama, with their deep-rooted tradition of “お接待”, the act of welcoming travelers and pilgrims, create a welcoming environment where strangers are embraced. Many artists find their experiences in Kamiyama unforgettable, often returning with new companions. The allure of this locally-driven project attracts both new residents and those who choose to call the town home. These diverse individuals connect, forming new communities and projects that, in turn, draw even more people to Kamiyama. This circular process highlights the importance of fostering connections and collaboration for sustainable growth.
Despite its success, KAIR faces challenges in securing funding and developing a sustainable team of successors. Yet, the spirit of the ‘おっちゃんたち’ remains steadfast: “They are more concerned with having fun and engaging in new experiences, their philosophy is ‘If it seems fun, why not do it!” says 工藤. This ethos forms the foundation of KAIR, and it is a spirit that they hope to preserve for generations to come.
