IMC Echizen CONFERENCE UPDATE
The Fifth International Mokuhanga Conference, Inheritance and Innovation: Mokuhanga Artists Explore Japanese Paper begins soon: April 4-6, 2024, in Echizen, Japan. More information is being added to the website as the conference nears.
Schedule and Transportation
A new Hokuriku Shinkansen JR train from Tokyo to Echizen-Takefu Station opened March 15, the schedule is posted on the IMC website. Hotels are a ten minute taxi ride from this new train station. Hotels are walking distance from the old Takefu-Shin Station, but that station can only be reached by local train Hapi-Line Fukui.
The Imadate Art Center is a half hour bus ride or a fifteen minute taxi ride from the hotels. Buses run only several times per day. Taxi tickets can be purchased at a discount at the information kiosk outside the new Echizen-Takefu Station.
This map shows the locations of the various conference events: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1hlZo6fmAU6lAeQBlQg8Iu5SQ4gSs3DQ&ll=35.9041277529013%2C136.20307933752963&z=13
Registration
One-day conference passes are still available – there are also occasional workshop cancellations – contact Keiko Kobayashi to add yourself to the waiting list or check the Registration page in case space becomes available. Even though many workshops are full, there will be plenty to do during this busy conference.
Exhibitions (April 4-6)
There will be eight exhibitions at the conference. The main International Juried Exhibition, with 140 artists, will be at the Echizen City Imadate Art Museum (view prints online). At the same location will be a show of work by the late Vice Chair Ralph Kiggell, who was essential to the success of the 2021 Fourth International Mokuhanga Conference, Nara. Additional exhibitions include a Mokuhanga Sisters Exhibition, a Board Members Exhibition, a MI-LAB Collection Exhibition, a Macau Print Association Exhibition and two solo exhibitions of work by Terry McKenna and by Katsutoshi Yuasa (map and exhibition locations).
Opening Banquet (Thursday, April 4, 6:00pm)
At 18:00 April 4, 2024 about 150 participants, staff, officials and instructors will gather at Ai Park Imadate in the Multi-purpose Hall for the IMC 2024 Opening Reception and buffet dinner. Tickets can be purchased for 5,000 yen in advance on the website.
Keynote and Presentations (Friday, April 5, 9:00-12:00)
Friday morning at the Imadate Art Center Hall, Peter MacMillan will give the keynote address followed by presentations by three overseas papermakers.
Open Portfolio (April 6, 9:00-12:00)
Saturday morning, Open Portfolio will be held in the foyer of Imadate Art Center, table-top space will be provided to display woodblock prints by participants who have registered and paid the fee. 2024.mokuhanga.org/product/open-portfolio/
Demonstrations (April 6, 13:00-16:00)
Master carver Shoichi Kitamura and master printer Kyoko Hirai will demonstrate in the foyer of Imadate Art Center. Biographies and additional information are now listed on the website.
Product Showcase (April 4, 5, 6)
More information about paper suppliers and tool makers along with informational videos is now available on the website.
Nara Tour (Apri 7-8)
April 7 a direct bus will take registered participants from Echizen to Nara. On April 8 we will break into two groups to visit the sumi makers Kobaien and Boku-undo. The fee covers bus transportation from Echizen to Nara April 7 (leaves Echizen at 10:00 and arrives in Nara at 15:00), one night hotel accommodation in Nara (breakfast included), excursion to sumi makers and interpreter services. Further transportation is the responsibility of each individual.
Fukui Tour (April 7, 9:00-15:00)
This is a free alternative to the Nara Tour. The Echizen City Administration is offering a bus tour to visit sightseeing attractions in Fukui Prefecture like Eiheiji Temple. This tour is free of charge, but registration is required. 2024.mokuhanga.org/product/fukui-tour/
Organizers
The International Mokuhanga Conference was conceived by Keiko Kadota in 2011 as a triennial conference about creative mokuhanga. Her vision has been maintained by Director Yasuyuki Sato. Keiko Kobayashi is Project Coordinator for this conference and the Mi-Lab training program, which moved from Yamanashi to Echizen this year. International Board members for the Fifth IMC are Mara Cozzolino (Italy), Jacqueline Gribbin (Australia), Mike Lyon (USA), Yoonmi Nam (USA), Florence Neal (USA), Katsu Yuasa (Japan), April Vollmer (USA). A full list of staff, advisory, and past board members is on the website.
Looking forward to seeing you in Echizen very soon.