About
Interior of Studio Kura gallery space with founder Hirofumi Matsuzaki. Source: Itoshima Now
Studio Kura is one of Japan's most active international artist-in-residence programs, bringing approximately 10 artists monthly from Asia, Europe, and America to rural Itoshima since 2007. The program utilizes three traditional Japanese rural houses in the Futamigaura area as facilities, where artists live while creating and interacting with local people. 🔗
Founded by artist Hirofumi Matsuzaki, who studied contemporary art in Germany before returning to his family home in Itoshima, the program has grown from a single renovated rice storehouse (kura) into a comprehensive arts complex. The facilities include traditional buildings over 100 years old, located in a quiet residential area near rice fields with mountain views. 🔗
Cultural & Religious Significance
International Cultural Exchange
Studio Kura's motto, "Disseminating culture from Itoshima to the world!", reflects its dual mission of providing artists with an authentic rural Japanese experience while enriching the local community with international contemporary art. Each residency (four, eight, or twelve weeks) concludes with a required exhibition, creating a continuous cycle of fresh artistic perspectives. 🔗
The program has earned significant recognition, with founder Matsuzaki receiving the Fukuoka Prefecture Culture Award. Beyond the residency, Studio Kura operates a FabLab equipped with digital fabrication tools, teaches art to all ages, and organizes the biennial Itoshima International Art Festival (Itoshima Arts Farm). 🔗
Visiting Information
Exhibition Hours: Typically 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM (some exhibitions 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
Exhibition Days: Last weekend of each month during residency periods
Opening Reception: Usually 3:30 PM on Saturday with artist talk
Admission: Free to all monthly International Art Exhibitions
Access from Fukae Area:
- Train: 5-10 minutes by JR Chikuhi Line (Chikuzen-Fukae to Ikisan Station), then 15-minute walk
- Car: 15-20 minutes by car along coastal roads
- Bicycle: 15-20 minutes along coastal roads
Contact:
- Phone: +81-92-325-1773
- Email: mail@studiokura.info
- Website: https://studiokura.info/en/
- Instagram: @studiokura
Current Status: Year-round operations with continuous artist residencies; check website or social media for current exhibition schedule
The Experience
Gallery Exhibitions
Monthly "International Art Exhibition" events feature work of resident artists completing their stays, representing diverse practices:
- Photography (black & white documentary, Japanese cultural themes)
- Painting & Watercolor
- Mixed Media
- Installation Art (site-specific responses to Itoshima)
- Digital Art 🔗
Artist Talks
Scheduled during opening receptions (typically Saturday at 3:30 PM), artist talks allow audiences to interact and learn about the background and messages behind artwork. These provide insight into how international artists experience and interpret rural Japan. 🔗
Traditional Architecture
The facilities themselves showcase renovated traditional Japanese architecture:
- Rice storehouse (kura) buildings converted to gallery spaces
- Traditional rural houses over 100 years old
- Integration of historic preservation with contemporary art
- Located amid rice fields with mountain views 🔗
Practical Visiting Tips
Planning Your Visit
- Check schedule 1-2 weeks ahead: Contact Studio Kura or check Instagram/Facebook for current exhibitions
- Attend artist talk if possible: Saturday afternoon talks provide best cultural exchange experience
- Combine with Itoshima exploration: Works well as part of broader peninsula cultural tour
- Allow extra time for conversations: Artists often welcome questions after presentations
Cultural Etiquette for Art Exhibitions
- Speak softly within gallery spaces
- Never touch artwork unless explicitly permitted
- Assume photography of artworks requires permission; ask first
- No flash photography
- No food or drink in gallery areas
- Show genuine interest when speaking with artists
- Respectful bow is appropriate greeting
Language Considerations
- International program with English-speaking staff and artists
- Exhibition materials often in English and Japanese
- Founder has extensive international experience
- Artists represent diverse nationalities with English as common language
November Visit Highlights
Early November Timing:
- May coincide with end-of-October residency exhibitions
- Contact Studio Kura 1-2 weeks before visit to confirm November schedule
- Weather: Mild autumn temperatures (15-20°C), comfortable for walking
- Autumn foliage visible in surrounding mountains and rice fields
Photography:
- Gallery spaces have good natural and artificial lighting
- Traditional architecture provides interesting subjects
- Surrounding rural landscape offers scenic opportunities
- Confirm photography policies for exhibited artworks
Location: Studio Kura, Nijōmasue, Itoshima
Source: attractions/itoshima/studio-kura.md