Art on Water: Art that Revitalizes Insular Communities Facing Depopulation and Economic Decline

Abstract

The Inland Sea of Japan, once a flourishing cultural and economic artery, is now struggling with
depopulation and economic decline. Traditionally, this area has been popular for public and private
art projects. Recent large-scale art projects and exhibitions on Naoshima Island and Inujima Island
explored the possibilities of art in a public context. Site-specific artworks in collaboration with the local community have attracted visitors and brought about a favorable impact. Along with the rich historic and natural resources of the Inland Sea area, emerging art projects in various islands have started to revitalize the insular communities within.