On the closing of Yokohama Triennale 2011
As though a magic spell had been lifted, the “OUR MAGIC HOUR” sign that flickered to life atop the Yokohama Museum of Art this past summer is now gone, making way for the beautiful dusk skies of autumn.
Yokohama Triennale 2011, which was held for 83 days, came to an end on November 6. It was a great success, welcoming a total of over 300,000 visitors from Japan and abroad. I am confident that the opportunity the event provided to experience contemporary art firsthand afforded many of our visitors with new discoveries and emotional thrills.
Held in the context of ongoing efforts to rebuild after the Great East Japan Earthquake, Yokohama Triennale 2011 had, as one of its aims, the desire to demonstrate to the world the vibrancy of Japan through the power of art. I have a strong sense that visitors were able to experience that vibrancy directly and also feel the energy of the city of Yokohama.
I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all of those who helped make this event possible: the artists and galleries who kindly provided artworks; the institutions, companies, groups and individuals who gave their cooperation and assistance; and everyone involved with the special tie-up programs as well as the many other tie-up programs and OPEN YOKOHAMA 2011, which allowed the event to spread out into the surrounding community.
Finally, I would like to express my respect and gratitude to Director General OSAKA Eriko and Artistic Director MIKI Akiko for their tireless efforts to make Yokohama Triennale 2011 a success despite the difficult circumstances.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Yokohama in three years’ time.
HAYASHI Fumiko
Mayor, City of Yokohama
President, Organizing Committee for Yokohama Triennale
