#Japan #Fukuoka #Art Festival #SICF

SICF Fukuoka Set to Launch in September 2026

Exciting news for the art community! The first SICF Fukuoka is officially scheduled for September 2026, hosted by ONE FUKUOKA BLDG., operated by Nishitetsu, in collaboration with SPIRAL from Wacoal Art Center, Tokyo. This inaugural event aims to spotlight emerging creators and offer a vibrant platform for artistic expression in Fukuoka.

What is SICF?

SICF (Spiral Independent Creators Festival) is a renowned art festival organized by Wacoal Art Center. Established to nurture and support young creators, SICF encourages participation from various artistic disciplines regardless of genre or age. Each year, innovative young creators are selected through an open call to present their works, which can range from paintings, sculptures, and installations to media art, photography, fashion, and crafts. These talented artists gather to engage audiences and showcase their creative projects actively.

A Unique Opportunity for Artists

During the festival, awards such as the Grand Prix and the Jury Awards – judged by leading figures in the creative industry – are given to outstanding works. The Grand Prix winner will have the honor of showcasing their art at the ONE FUKUOKA venue, offering significant exposure and opportunity for advancement in their artistic careers.

SICF has a rich history of over 25 successful years in Tokyo’s Omotesando, attracting over 10,000 visitors annually and featuring more than 100 booths from selected artists. As it expands to Fukuoka, the festival seeks to replicate its success while bringing fresh artistic energy to the region.

Working with Local Culture

ONE FUKUOKA BLDG. promotes itself as a 'Creative Intersection' where diverse people, ideas, and information converge, intending to generate new cultural values for the local community. By continuously providing updates and opportunities for artistic engagement, the venue enhances the urban function of Tenjin, fostering a deeper interaction with art among residents and visitors.

Furthermore, SPIRAL GARDEN, a brand new gallery, café, and shop located on the third floor of ONE FUKUOKA, aims to actively promote creators encountered through SICF while facilitating the dissemination of diverse cultural expressions within the art community. By collaborating with Nishitetsu and SPIRAL, SICF Fukuoka aspires to vibrant exchanges and partnerships in the Asian art scene, promoting cross-border collaborations with budding artists from countries like China, Korea, and Taiwan.

Participation Guidelines

Name: SICF Fukuoka
Venue: 6F ONE FUKUOKA CONFERENCE HALL
Dates: September 19 (Saturday) to September 22 (Tuesday, public holiday), 2026. Award announcements will take place on September 21 (Monday, public holiday).

Exhibitor Application Period: February 17 (Tuesday) to June 11 (Thursday), 2026.
Awards:

• - Grand Prix: Exhibition opportunity within ONE FUKUOKA
• - Runner-Up: Inclusion in the following year’s exhibition (2027)
• - Jury Awards: Inclusion in the following year’s exhibition (2027)
• - SPIRAL Encouragement Award: Inclusion in the following year’s exhibition (2027)
• - Nishitetsu Award: Featuring on a wrapped bus

The judges will include prominent artists and curators, such as Makoto Kagoshima and Ikuko Kato, to ensure a diverse range of works is assessed and celebrated. Soon, SICF Fukuoka will bring together Asian talents pushing boundaries and exploring creative dialogues across various platforms.

Stay tuned for more updates on application methods and festival details in future communications. This is an incredible opportunity both for artists and art enthusiasts in Fukuoka as it seeks to enrich the region with artistic innovation!

Note: The information may be subject to change.