The Fukuoka Asian Art Triennale (the Fukuoka Triennale) is a large-scale international exhibition held under a different theme every three years to feature the most up-to-date art tendencies/practices in 21 countries/ region in Asia, making the best use of resources accumulated through the continuous research and art exchange programme in the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum. In this exhibition, we present paintings, sculptures, installation and video works, workshops, performance and collaborative art-making by inviting artists from across Asia to Fukuoka. We aim to create a space of art exchange involving the people in Fukuoka.

Commemorating the inauguration of the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum, the 1st Fukuoka Asian Art Triennale 1999, under the theme of “Communication: Channels for Hope” focused on the possibility of connecting people of different cultures and communities through art. The 2nd Fukuoka Triennale 2002 highlighted handmade works which employ indigenous local material under the theme “Imagined Workshop”. The 3rd Fukuoka Triennale 2005 featured artworks of young generation influenced by popular culture under the theme “Parallel Realities Asian Art Now”. By dynamically presenting cutting-edge ideas and works from Asia, these triennales were all well received both within and outside Japan.

In the 4th Fukuoka Triennale, we carefully select the most promising artists in Asia as in past triennales. At the same time, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum, we will also look back on the development of Asian art in the past decade by featuring artists who have actively participated in the international art scenes. Furthermore, taking advantage of the urban space where the museum is located, artworks will be displayed outside extending beyond the museum to intervene other public spaces (shopping malls, park etc). We also aim to create a wider and diversified space of exchange by jointly organizing events with the city government, and collaborating plan with local organizations, universities and NPOs.