Summary
- The inaugural Maebashi Biennale will run from September 19 to December 20, 2026, across Gunma Prefecture
- Curated by Yuko Hasegawa, it connects urban spaces with ecology and community memory
- Over thirty global artists feature, including teamLab, Chiharu Shiota, Mika Ninagawa, among others
The inaugural Maebashi Biennale has officially announced its extensive artist program and lineup, set to transform Gunma Prefecture’s Maebashi City, into a vibrant hub of global contemporary art.
Operating under the artistic direction of internationally acclaimed curator Yuko Hasegawa, the festival will run from September 16 – December 20, 2026. Under the overarching theme of ecological harmony, community reactivation and technological integration, the festival aims to utilize the city’s unique architectural heritage, ranging from historic silk mills to decommissioned public facilities, as site-specific venues. The initiative represents a major cultural milestone for the region, positioning Maebashi as a premier destination for progressive artistic exchange in Japan.
The festival will feature an impressive roster of over thirty international and domestic artists, showcasing a diverse range of mediums including large-scale installations, digital media and performance art. Among the highly anticipated participants is the renowned artist collective teamLab, which will debut a major site-specific digital installation that interacts directly with Maebashi’s natural water systems and urban topography. Additionally, celebrated contemporary artist Chiharu Shiota will present a monumental thread installation within one of the city’s historic textile structures, weaving a complex narrative of memory, human connection, and regional history.
Adding to the high-profile lineup, acclaimed photographer and film director Mika Ninagawa will collaborate with the creative team EiM to present a major new work hosted by Hauser & Wirth, further elevating the festival’s cross-disciplinary scope. Other notable participants include boundary-pushing multimedia artists Ryoji Ikeda and Anicka Yi, whose works will bridge the gap between biological systems and digital landscapes.
By inviting globally recognized figures to collaborate with the municipality and regional universities, the Maebashi Biennale 2026 seeks to generate sustainable cultural infrastructure. The event will also feature an extensive public program, including panel discussions, workshops and educational tours designed to make cutting-edge contemporary art accessible to the wider public. For more information, visit the festival’s official website.
9月19日より開催「第一回 前橋国際芸術祭 2026」全アーティスト・プログラム発表！！
本日チケット販売スタートです！！▼5月26日正午より「前橋国際芸術祭2026」パスポートチケットの販売を開始します。
詳しくはこちら↓https://t.co/adnBMaQmUT pic.twitter.com/mvFY3ApKLM— ぐんラボ！【㊗15周年】群馬のクチコミ情報サイト (@gunlabo) May 26, 2026
