On December 11th, the third creative meeting “Sho Ishiguro – An eighteen-day exploration of New York” took place at the ICC Café Plus.

Ishiguro is a visual artist and dancer. He kept a record while spending 18 days in New York observing art. He went to feel the difference in art and design that the immigrants of the Big Apple created on a daily basis. He says as a result he felt the response to art in New York was very different compared to Japan, including street performance. In New York, art was part of people’s daily lives.

A report that took place right after a dance. Still catching his breath.

The subway ticket booths had a stark look.

A captive audience.

The report began with a live performance of a dance that was performed in New York, and then continued on to a visual presentation of his works and New York.

A subway window with a bullet hole in it, a mirror with a scribble that says “McDonalds toilet”, the bright neon signs of Times Square, new buildings built on top of old buildings… these were all sights that expressed New York in a way art museums can’t.

His largest surprise and most heartfelt moment was when he learnt that there was no set entrance fee to the Metropolitan Museum. The attitude to art was so that people are encouraged to come as many times as they want for ten cents or ten dollars. Ishiguro decided to enter with a fee of one dollar.

He said he performed as a dancer in a fashion show as well, finding opportunities to interact with the lively city that is New York. His smile was vibrant as he talked about New York, displaying all of the energy he had absorbed from his trip.

Later, ICC resident Akihito Yamamoto, with Harebare Shashin, and S-AIR's Fuyuka Shindo reported on their experiences in Thailand. They invited some Ainu people to join them in visiting several tribes in there. Traveling to the depths of mountains and seeing new ways of living, their interest never seemed to end. Each tribe showed their dances and rituals to other tribes, a true display of non-verbal communication between cultures.

(left) Shindo with S-AIR. She travels all over Japan researching apples and salmon, as well as tribes around the world. (right) Yamamoto with Harebare Shashin. His beautiful photos make it hard to believe they were taken with a digital camera.

An umbrella made out of banana peals. It looks perfect.

A woman's tribal dress.

This creative meeting featured New York and Thailand, plenty to satisfy the creative palette of the entire audience.

A dance session with friends. Dance is another form of expression.

 

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On November 25, an event announcing the results of the "ICC+SIC Workshop 2009", which was held on July 3-5 this year, took place at the Aurora Square in the underground shopping area, Aurora Town. The theme of the workshop was "communication and broadening of Sapporo's creativity."

The Sapporo City Mayor announced the idea for “Sapporo Ideas City” in March of 2006. Since then, much effort has been put into encouraging creativity in the city, but a pervading issue has been that there has been little visibility to the residents of Sapporo.

This workshop was held with the intention of solving this problem. As part of public relations, ideas were presented to newspaper companies, television stations, and the Sapporo city government, culminating in this event, which welcomed 43 students and 14 creators.
 

In announcing the results, the participating students pointed out to the newspaper companies, television stations, and Sapporo city what the creative resources of Sapporo city are and suggested ways of spreading these resources through panel displays so that they could reach audiences more directly.

The group that presented ideas to the newspaper companies suggested continual communication with a wide range of people. They urged the need to create a whirlpool of newspaper, mobile, online, and digital signage that would sweep people in.
 

For newspaper companies, four forms of media were presented: newspaper, mobile, online, and digital signage.

The group that presented ideas to the television stations suggested that they synchronize TV and the web. They also suggested having citizens submit their ideas for Sapporo’s creative resources and produce commercials and television shows, creating a larger movement.

Television stations received the idea of synchronizing the television and Internet.

The group that presented ideas to the Sapporo city government proposed a concept of “creation, connection, and expansion.” By combining individual creative resources, they said, unique stories could be created.
One such idea was to use the theme song of “Godzilla,” written by Akira Ifukube, who has ties to Sapporo, as the song that plays at subway stations when trains arrive or depart. Other ideas included putting designs of creative resources on Sapporo city trash bags, holding a concert at Kitara with music created by “Hatsune Miku,” a piece of software developed in Sapporo that alters voices.
 

For Sapporo City, students suggested using the theme song from “Godzilla” in the subway stations.

 
A city of creativity can only be achieved if Sapporo becomes motivated.
We wish for more projects similar to this one to take place in the future and bring about more creativity in Sapporo.
The panel display was on display until November 30th in the Aurora Square of the underground Aurora Town.

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On Tuesday, November 24th at 7pm, a presentation of a workshop sponsored by Sapporo City University and ICC called “Hybrid Media” took place at the Uchida Yoko Ubiquitous Network Plaza, u-cala. Sapporo City University Assistant Professor Nina Fischer and Maroan el Sani planned the workshop that was presented at this event. The 17 student participants announced the results of their four-day effort. To see more on the workshop, click here.

From left, translator Tachibana, thiemedia lecturers John and Marcus, and Nina and Maroan.

thismedia John (above) and Marcus (below)

The presentation began with a documentary video chronicling the 19 days of lecture and 4 days of workshop. The entire film was produced and edited by students.

What is Hybrid Media? The participants are eager to learn

Presentations then split up in two groups. The first group was immersed in an environment in which visuals react to sounds. Sounds were split into high, mid, and low frequencies so that visuals would move while reacting differently depending on the sound.

Making a low frequency sound. Not an easy task.
A low frequency sound makes the person on screen left start walking. The mid frequency sound makes an image move on the right.

They used MAX to input detailed data.

Sound Creator Oguro. Thank you for your hard work!

The second group used hair dryers that reacted to changing visuals. Responding to images, the dryers would switch on and off.

When the gingko leaf floating on top of the water is moved, so does the image projected onto the screen.

Reacting to the leaf, the dryers on the ground would turn on. The installation was made to mimic a flowing river.

In the beginning of the workshop, most participants had no knowledge or experience, but the common interest everyone had inspired them to make this presentation as successful as it was.

The lecturers look serious.

Participants learned the process of creating protocol (new media language) through the workshop. They stepped into the world of hybrid media where all forms of media combine to create something new.

While participants and lecturers exchanged ideas and impressions at the after party, two questions always emerged: What can be created, and what will that creation accomplish? The answers are infinite. 

 

 

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On October 29, a talk session called Organic Design by interior design unit "Shirokuro" took place at the ICC Cafeplus. This event was part of Sapporo Design Week 2009. Going with the theme of "Organic", this talk focused on design and agriculture.

Interior design unit "Shirokuro". Shiro is above and Kuro is below. This event came about because Kuro's family works in agriculture.

The panelists may work in different fields, but they all have similar outlooks on life. That is to say, they are all proactively involved in being organic: An architect who bought two goats to become a farmer, a food meister presenting the benefits of being organic to heighten the quality of food in northern Japan, a photographer that communicates the added value of being organic through their work, and a leader in agriculture that has opened the door to the World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms organization.

Harukichi Organic Farm representative Takuya Kobayashi. After studying environmental science in college, he began organic farming when he was 24. "I want our generation in their 20's and 30's to see how important organic farming is to raising a family."


GreenHandsGreenHands representative Ayumi Omiya met organic farming in New Zealand when she was in her 20's. "We are all life forms supported by the sun. It's important that we follow nature's pattern because we rely so heavily on it."


アトリエ AG PLANNINGGoya Ogata with AG Planning is an architect who wants to become a farmer. "I bought two goats this year. I'm half architect and half farmer. I'd like to design every aspect of my life including the food, clothing, and living space."


Photographer Makoto Miyazaki. "I began a project with creators, planners, and farmers. I joined today to hear different opinions on being organic."


ICC Chief Coordinator Toshiya Kubo has the experience of working for the National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations (Zenno) for eight years.

Sapporo Design Week Chairman Mr. Yamagishi gave his opinion on different packages and problems he could see in plans presented. The talk session became an opportunity for improvement both from an agricultural and design standpoint. The discussion continued into the networking event following the panel, becoming a place for active exchange of opinions.

 

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Film production personnel, web designers, sound designers, cameramen, and theater groups are all just part of a group of creative artists supported by ICC. Now, we are opening the application process for the 2010 residency program.

Not only will you receive office space for a reasonable fee, you will gain access to the studios and HD camera equipment that ICC has to offer for one third of the price for the general public.Workshops and seminars also serve to back up your creative endeavors.
The residency period normally lasts 3 years. To see details about the application process, please see the residency application page here.

There are a few ICC advisors who will decide which applicants attain residency. Anime Innovation Tokyo producer Hiroaki Takeuchi, film director Michael Arias, animator Koji Morimoto, TV and radio writer Shunji Suzuki, producer Tetsuya Mizuguchi, and Steve Baker, founder of London based collective, "Tomato".
 

ICC Residency General Information (Japanese and English).pdf

ICC Facility Floor Plan.pdf

Application Form (English).pdf

Application Period: December 1, 2009 to January 13, 2010

Apply/Contact:
Inter x Cross Creative Center (ICC)
1-12, Toyohira 1-12, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo, 062-0901, Japan
Tel:  011-817-8911 
Fax: 011-817-8912
E-mail:　Mail Form

Orientation at ICC
To explain the program further, orientation will take place at the following times:
December 15th (Tues) 14:00~, 18:00~
December 24th (Thurs) 14:00~, 18:00~

If you are interested about orientation, please contact us by email or phone after December 1st (Tues).

Contact for orientation:
Inter x Cross Creative Center (ICC)
Supervisor: Kobayashi, Kuramoto
Tel: 011-817-8911  
Fax: 011-817-8912 
E-mail:　Mail Form

For two days beginning September 12th, the biggest event for SMF and only student proposition competition in Hokkaido took place at Hokusho University's PORTO. Through the event, called "SMF Trial 2009," students were split into groups and given the assignment to come up with ideas and produce, exhibit, and present their work for review. This year's theme is Sapporo, but depending on the school, students were assigned Ebetsu to maximize their local knowledge to create their presentations.

ICC booth (left) First floor exhibition area(Right)

This year's Trial brought together nine teams from eight schools, making it the biggest to date. On the first floor exhibition area, each team had displays in their own booths. Passersby would often glance through the glass at these displays and stop their feet to take a better look.

Hokkaido University of Education Iwamizawa Campus - "Gomatamago (sesame egg)"

Hokusei Gakuen University Junior College - "Hokusei Junior College Department of Life Creation"

 
Hokkaido University of Education Iwamizawa Campus - "DISNAK"

Sapporo City University - "Poromori"

Hokkaido Information University - "Eventure"




Sapporo International University - "Sapporo ga kikoeru (I hear Sapporo)"

Sapporo Otani University & Junior College - "Team Saito"




Hokusho University - "Onion Peeman Peemans"

 
Hokkaido University - "HOKUDAI Ambitious"

The main event was the second day's presentations. Each team must explain their project without exceeding their time limit. Every year the value of the projects have increased. Many now appeal to our sense of sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch. Sharp questions and opinions provided an accent to the day during the Trial.

Words are written on eggs. Recipes included! After cooking, the shells go in the shell holder.
What did Po the pigeon see when he came to Sapporo? Sapporo is introduced with a "birds eye view" in this short piece.
Where do shoppers eat in Sapporo? A simple and quick way to get information.
Why are souvenirs almost always sweets? A souvenir that lets you experience digging for potatoes.
We will turn Ebetsu into a vibrant and safe town! Collect Eventure cards and win products!
The sound of a bell comes from a photo of the Clock Tower. Use QR codes to hear a sound corresponding to the visual!
Imagine this: The underground walkways of Sapporo covered in designs of candies or fish tanks.
What does Sapporo lack? To create a city full of love, find the items of love!

Live hybrid in Sapporo! City + International + Agriculture For those who are health-conscious!

Finally, presentations by the advertising congress took place.

The advertising congress booth (left) and review (right)

It's time for the results. Trophies created by Hiroshi Maeda will be given to the winners. Everyone is curious about the winners, but what attracts most attention is the review, where the future of presentations will be determined. Designer Yukio Hikichi and Hiroshi Maeda will review from a professional's standpoint, while the Sapporo City Hall will represent Sapporo City with their review.

Hikichi and Maeda (left) Sapporo City representative Yamamoto (right)

And the results!?

 
Hiroshi Maeda's trophies


Grand Prix - "HOKUDAI Ambitious"

Second Place - "Poromori"

Award of Excellency - "Sapporo ga kikoeru"

Award of Excellency - "DISNAK"

Encouragement Award - "Eventure"

Encouragement Award - "Goma tamago"

Citizenship Award - "Eventure"

The event ended with SMF chair Ohira's closing speech. "Whether you won or not, let this be a valuable experience to you. What you felt at the time will help you grow." Thank you everyone for two days of hard work!

SMF chair Ohira

SMF is planning some research groups and symposiums for the near future. Please check back with ICCWEB for details.

The first half was a lecture by Deborah called "Evolving Museums: Changing Purposes In Two-way Society," in which she used her museum as an example to explain the purpose of art museums in education and charity. Her simple explanations were accompanied by effective photographs.

Touching on the history of photographic technology, she displayed photographs from the 19th century.

The San Diego Museum of Photographic Art pairs with elementary schools to educate the public.

This sepia tone photograph seems to demonstrate a page in history.

The second half of the day involved a review of photographic works by Hokkaido artists Tsubasa Fujikura, Akihito Yamamoto, Akiyoshi Kitagawa, Ryoko Suzuki, and Yoshinori Kon.

"What feeling inspired this image?" "A larger print would add more impact to this image" and "This photograph has a poetic image, so it would work as part of a story," were some of Deborah's specific comments. The audience was immersed in her comments, cherishing every last word she spoke.

Under review: Fujikura (left) and Yamomoto (right)

Kitagawa showed his work with a projector.　   　　Suzuki, explaining her works to the audience.

One photographer, Yamamoto, expressed his gratitude toward the event, "To receive advice directly from a world-renowned curator like Ms. Klochko is such a valuable thing. I feel very grateful for being given this opportunity."

"I was honestly surprised with the quality of work displayed here. It's up to international standards. Sapporo has four distinct seasons, and the nature is beautiful. I think it's a perfect place to create art. When I visit again, I'd like to stay longer and take time to enjoy Sapporo," said Deborah.

Deborah answered every question with a smile. ]]>

The training began with the scenario, “On September 1st, an earthquake of magnitude 7.3 occurred at 9:30am, with major damage to the city center.”

Sixty-four organizations and 2,000 people attended this drill, which incorporated the chance of fire, car accidents, and destroyed buildings. Attendees evacuated from situations similar to real-life with obstacles standing in their way.

A new part of this year’s drill was that as large truck with a screen was used to project the disaster head quarters and other locations life to the drill site.

The disaster headquarters had a sense of tension that could be felt through the images on screen. Everything seen on the screen looked as if it were a real disaster, too.
The large car used to project the headquarters was from the Okura Yama ski jump.

It goes without mentioning that these disaster drills are important, but one must also keep in mind the drill must not be treated as if a drill. The use of the car monitor helped convey a feeling of tension and was a good demonstration of creativity during a normally dull disaster drill.

Creativity in a disaster drill!
Who would have thought…?

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Reporter: Eiichi Sato
Translator: David Neptune
 

ICC resident and solo-alpinist Nobukazu Kuriki departed Japan on his journey to climb Mt.Everest alone with no oxygen.
He is set for a September 5th climb, and will reach the summit on September 29th, returning to Japan on October 10th.
If he succeeds in his endeavors, he will be the first Japanese person to climb all of the seven highest peaks of every continent on earth solo, with no oxygen.
Mt.Everest's elevation is 8,848 meters. Normally, it is thought that people cannot survive at an elevation of 7,500 meters or higher.

Kuriki, during a press conference a few days prior to departure, showed his cheerful smile and said, "I'm going to try to do karaoke and eat somen noodles while on the climb!" Only Kuriki would have such entertaining ideas for a dangerous climb.

Not only that, he will be broadcasting his journey live through a Yahoo! Internet connection for everyone to see his challenge.
Kuriki is attempting a difficult task, yet he is adding the extra weight of the heavy equipment for the live broadcast for the benefit of others.
"My challenge isn't only to climb the mountain, but to share that experience with others."
As he answered questions flung at him by reporters, his smile would sometimes fade and the seriousness of the climb showed on his stern face."


Kuriki explains his route of attack using a board.

Kuriki looked nervous at the airport on August 16th.
As he normally looks very relaxed, this change was testament to the graveness of his final challenge.


Kuriki answers questions at the Shin-Chitose Airport.

ICC Chief Coordinator says, "Two months, a long time." And Kuriki answers, "I'll be back in time for the Sapporo International Short Film Festival in October!"

Almost time for departure.

ICC supports Kuriki's final challenge!
A new page will be designed for Kuriki's adventure, so please stay tuned!!

On August 9th, a concert titled “The World of Kareyce Motio” took place at the main hall of Higashi Honganji in Sapporo City. The concert featured the artist Kareyce Motio from Cameroon.

Kareyce was born in a small town in Western Cameroon and grew up surrounded by the tribal music. Song, dance, drums, flutes, thumb piano, harp, and guitar were some of the mediums used by Kareyce to express her unique world. Her style is rooted in her tribe’s traditional music, but is influenced by jazz, blues, and Caribbean music as well.

The OYOYO Project hosted the event, carrying out its goal of creating a space where “interesting people can always gather”.

About 80 people participated this day. In a new collaboration between Japanese tradition and African culture, Kareyce enthralled her audience with her playful music.

A line formed outside the temple.


Kareyce’s voice echoed through the golden main hall.


A call and response with the audience. She sang, “Stop, stop,” urging her husband not to leave.


Karence sings while cradling her guitar.


Drums and thumb piano were among the many instruments she played this day.

The concert ended in about an hour with an encore. With CD’s on sale, the audience left the venue completely satisfied.

Kareyce smiles after her concert.

Karence is scheduled to play at the opening of “Les Francofolies” in Lebanon this September as the African representative.

Karence's voice file
click here!

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The eight-day workshop consisted of five days of film lecture and three days of acting lecture. The film segment was lectured by 6 people consisting of the producer of “Limit of Love: Umizaru” and “Always: Sunset on Third Street” Chikahiro Ando, affiliate of special effects studio Shirogumi and VFX director Takashi Yamazaki, and VFX producer of “Negotiator” and “Dororo”, Shuji Asano. The acting segment featured the director of “Bayside Shakedown: The Movie”, “Udon”, and “Shaolin Girl”, Katsuyuki Motohiro, director of theater group Tokyo Tanbarin, Hiroko Takai, and Hideki Nagai of the theater group Seinendan.
It is rare for such an impressive group of lecturers to gather in Sapporo, bringing together an audience of 50 including students, professionals, and amateurs, some traveling from as far as Osaka to take advantage of this chance.
 

The theme of the film segment, “The real way to make a movie, from A to Z”, discussed what films are, production, acting, postproduction, and visual effects. After lectures in these categories, the participants split into groups, asking questions until their minds were packed with information.
The participants consisted mostly of students, who listened intently to their heroes and mentors.
 

On the other hand, the acting segment began with a warm up game called, “introduce each other”, then moved on to improv exercises in which the participants took a line from their favorite song and acted out a scene. They were even given an opportunity to act according to a script written by the lecturers and shoot one such scene. The participants were so engrossed in acting that they ran out of time to edit their footage.
Participants in both segments were very satisfied with the workshop, commenting on the content of the program and inspired by the A-list lecturers.
 

 
 

Hokkaido and Sapporo is not only an internationally renowned location for filmmaking, it holds good reputation for its film commission, lighting, sound, and special equipment providers, location scouting personnel, and extras.
Such a workshop featuring famous industry professionals was made possible by the fact that all of these things contributed to a relationship built on trust.

A completely successful workshop.
We hope that the participants can hone their skills and become a major force in their respective fields.


Article by Eiichi Sato
Translation by David Neptune
 

From July 10th to 12th, two artists invited through the JENESYS Programme, Janet Lilo and Sharon Chin, displayed work they created while staying in Sapporo in a show called Open Studio. Held in ICC, 118 people attended.

Malaysian modern artist Sharon Chin produced what she called the “Horohirobashi Project”
Her idea came from the repetition of crossing the same Horohirobashi Bridge every morning to go to work. The piece incorporates audience participation in a very unique way.
Sharon displayed photos of Horohirabashi on the walls of the studio. The audience was to choose a photo they like to write their own message on. The interesting part of the process is that the audience actually writes their message with their finger on Sharon’s back. She then, in turn, writes the same message on the photo herself.

Each audience member write their thoughts on Sharon’s back.

Sharon’s art project.

"When two people meet, a bridge forms between them. I imagined I was the bridge, helping to connect art with the audience's messages through their writing on my back," says Sharon

On the other hand, visual artist Janet Lilo from New Zealand produced a video installation piece called "Man in the Mirror".

Janet introduces her documentary project shot in Tanuki Koji.

With the theme of pop culture, Janet captured images of city youth practicing hip hop dancing and added videos of ordinary people singing popular songs on YouTube to create her own unique edit. Four total videos were presented that opening night, with Sharon and Janet attending the event wearing beautiful Yukata.


Janet's visual artwork

Completing three days at the Open Studio, Sharon said, "I've produced art in many different countries, but never had so much fun. My heart is filled with gratitude for the people of Sapporo."

Janet said with a smile, "I'd like to thank the people of Sapporo from the bottom of my heart. The young people dancing on the streets of Tanuki Koji were very cooperative when I wanted to film them. Every person I met here in Sapporo was so kind to me, even though I can't speak any Japanese. When I go back to New Zealand I plan on telling everyone what a wonderful place Sapporo is."

Sharon and Janet will depart Sapporo on the 18th of August, spend two days reporting their work, and return to their homes.
I feel the kindness and appreciation they felt in Sapporo will become part of their future work.


Over 50 people attended the opening party.

実体験に潜む「感動」メカニズムからアイデアを発見する「XB法」とは？

SMFとは、産学官連携の活動体として情報文化学会北海道支部、行政（札幌市）、関連教育機関、現場のクリエイター、関連企業などと連携をとりながら、メ ディア・アート・デザインおよび産業の高度化、活性化に寄与する活動を展開しています。 今回は、その活動の１である研究会vol.1についてのレポートです。

講師の三澤氏　わかりやすくXB（クロスビー）法を説明してくれました。

8月7日（金）19：00より札幌市立大学サテライトキャンパスにて、三澤直加氏による講演会が開かれました。今回の講演会では、U'eyes Design で取り組まれている「行為のデザイン」の事例紹介やXB法の紹介だけではなく、東京・大阪・横浜などで開催され盛況な「"XB法"実践ワークショップ」のプチワークショップも開催されました。

当日は、大学生、クリエイターやビジネス関係、そして教育機関まで約５０名が参加しました。初めて耳にするXB（クロスビー）法に最初はピンとこなかっ た方々もいましたが、実際にブレストシートを使い言葉を創出していくにつれ、参加者の表情も真剣そのものに変化していきました。

キーワード　card1 か card2　を選びます。

XB方式を使って展開するものは、「札幌における新しい観光サービス（与えてあげたい体験）」です。今回は提示された2パターンのキーワードから好きなほうを選び、そのキーワードを展開していきます。

キーワードから言葉を言い換え、その言葉を掛け合わせて文を作っていきます。

ブレストシート1枚目は各自で、2枚目はペアでの作業です。時間も計ります。

個人で掛け合わせた文を、今度はペアの相手に託します。お互い相手のアイディアを1つのストーリーとして展開していきます。ストーリーの主人公は？シチュエーションは？主人公が感じるうれしさは？

こうして完成したストーリーを何ペアかに発表してもらいました。同じキーワードでスタートしたにも関わらず、それぞれの発想や感じ方により最終的なストーリーが変化していきます。正しい答えなどはなく、まさに人生経験の引き出しが感動を呼び起こす基になっているようです。

日々感動していると大平氏。人生の引き出しは数知れず。

最後は、SMF運営委員長の大平具彦氏のあいさつで実りある研究会を終了しました。

次回のSMF行事は、9月12日（土）13日（日）に開催される「SMFトライアル2009」です。道内の各学校から参加したグループが、テーマ（今年は「都市」）に沿ったアイディアを考え、制作・展示・プレゼンテーションによってグランプリを目指します。詳細は下記の通りですので、ぜひ興味のある方は見学に来てください。

*************************************************************************************************************

SMFトライアル2009 ～札幌メディア・アート・フォーラム2009　学生グループ対抗・提案コンペティション～

開催日時： 2009年9月12日（土）・13日（日）10:00～17:00  ※2日連続のイベントです

会　　  場： 北翔大学　北方圏学術情報センターPORTO　（ポルト：ギャラリＡ・Ｂ）

　　　　　　　札幌市中央区南1条西22丁目1番1号
（地下鉄東西線「西18丁目駅または「円山公園」駅下車、徒歩5分」

お問い合わせ：SMF事務局（担当：小林）　
           E-mail: kobayasi@sec.or.jp     TEL: 011-817-8911      FAX: 011-817-8912

************************************************************************************************************:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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For three days beginning on Friday, July 3rd, the second "Sapporo Ideas City Workshop 2009" took place. Last year, creative resources (people, things, places, ideas) were gathered and over 200 visuals were created through the workshop. Many such visuals are currently used as business cards for municipal employees, but the real gain from the workshop came in the form of a realization: There is a lot of remarkable material in Sapporo, but very little of that work is known to the public.
So, this year our theme became "Communicating the pride of Sapporo to the world". We use the word "pride" to express our belief that art created in Sapporo has a quality that meets the world's standards.

 
Group A, communicating through newspaper, newsletters, and paper advertisement.

Because this workshop requires the use and cooperation of the press such as newspaper and television, new members including television, newspaper, and magazine personnel were added to last year's graphic designers, copyrighters, photographers, illustrators, sound creators, architects, and urban history specialist.

Group B, communicating via broadcast mediums including television, radio, and the internet.

Also, 43 students made up of art and design, as well as humanities, information technologies, economics, and media majors participated, allowing the workshop to offer communication from various angles.

Group C, communicating to Sapporo City Hall.

Discussions began the first day after splitting up into paper advertisement group, broadcast medium group, and Sapporo City Hall group. Their first mission was to discuss how to effectively advertise creative content Sapporo is proud of. They then decided the details of the fieldwork destinations for the following day.

South Team heads out for Sapporo Art Park.

On the second day, they decided to split into a North and South team to begin their fieldwork. At Moerenuma Park, architect Makoto Suzuki explained the history of the park and the process by which it was made.

 
Many sounds were recorded in the glass pyramid.

The North Team went to Moerenuma Park, Hokkaido University Museum, the JR Tower, and Sapporo Factory.

South Team at Sapporo Art Park. Collaboration with nature.

The South Team went to Sapporo Art Park, Ishiyama Ryokuchi, Shiseikan Elementary School, a children's puppet theater Kogumaza, Sapporo City Observatory, Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara, and Nishioka Suigenchi.

Intently listening to a presentation at the children's puppet theater Kogumaza.

Fieldwork took place in the summer this year, giving participants the opportunity to enjoy the seasons Sapporo has to offer. Both groups discovered something new, taking notes, sketches, and recording sounds at interesting locations.

A project proposal. Ideas were actively exchanged at the mid-workshop presentations.

Back at ICC, each group presented their findings from fieldwork.
The three groups steadily narrowed their focus, bringing together three distinct colors to the canvas of communication.

Clockwise from top left. A group, B group (TV), B group (Web), and C group (Sapporo City)

Day 2. A long day coming to an end.

It's the third and final day. Gathering results from fieldwork and experience from last year, each group writes a proposal and creates visuals. The entire day took place at ICC, where each group split into smaller groups according to their own special skills, making for a tense, concentrated environment.

A group takes their work seriously as they create visuals.

B group heatedly exchanges ideas.

C group receives advice from graphic designers.

Despite long, hard days of work, discussions continued up until the very last moment before submitting results.

A scene from the third day.

Finally, participants gathered in the ICC Café on the first floor to present their findings.
Press such as newspaper and TV, as well as Sapporo City Hall, plan on presenting their results at a future date. The results of the rest of the presentations will also be released at that time.

The group gathered for the final day. They presented at the ICC Café.

A sincere thank you to all the lecturers and students that participated in this event. Our hearts are filled with gratitude!