The English word “table” can mean not only the physical piece of furniture, but also the food placed on the table to be eaten; a group of people at a table; the act of placing something on a table; or a forum for discussion. Just as the word “table” has a wide range of meanings, MAT, Nagoya seeks to act as a medium for diverse meanings and original modes of expression here in the Port of Nagoya area.

Exploring in the Community, Accepting into the Community

The intrinsic purpose of art itself is not to transform communities. The essence of art lies in addressing the topic at hand from a unique vantage point, without being constrained by existing value systems, and unceasingly exploring new meanings and reasons for being. Artists who visit and engage with this community are sure to open our eyes to new vistas we were unable to see before, and, at times, to problems and challenges that the community faces.

It is expected that accepting into our midst both art itself, and the realizations and inspirations that art and artists bring, will further expand the diversity of the community that has long been open to outsiders and different value systems. MAT, Nagoya seeks to enrich this vital community further through art and the creative viewpoints that go with it.

Programs

1) Welcoming creative human resources to Minatomachi
- Fostering an environment for creators in fields such as art, music, design, and architecture to stay in the community and produce work
- Responding to inquiries about the activities of artists or art-related personnel

2) Offering venues for art to take shape
- Exhibitions, projects, etc. based around the Minatomachi Potluck Building
- Building a network between Nagoya and other urban areas through partnerships with art spaces in Japan and overseas
- Art-related coordination, including visits to Nagoya area artists’ studios and research assistance, etc.

3) Connecting the area’s past with the present, and building a foundation for exploring the future
- Holding lecture programs as forums for sharing issues and ideas
- Implementing projects that capitalize on community assets such as unused buildings
- Archiving innovative ideas that arise from the MAT, Nagoya program

*MAT, Nagoya is a program planned and organized by Joint Committee of Port Town, an organization dedicated to community development through cooperation between residents and local government in the Port of Nagoya area. The Minatomachi Potluck Building serves as MAT, Nagoya’s base of operations.

Coordination
Mika Kodama (Art Coordinator)

Committee
Shihoko Iida (Curator)
Eriko Esaka (Design Coordinator)
Katsuhisa Sato (Artist)

Visual Identity
Sundwich inc.

Construction
Miracle Factory

Access 1 minute walk from exit 2 of Tsukijiguchi Station on the Nagoya City Subway
Hours and closed days vary on event.

The district is adjacent to The Port of Nagoya, which is the largest logistics hub among ports in Japan. After its port functions moved to be relocated, the district has formed a unique townscape with a mixture of various buildings including warehouses, harbor facilities, office buildings, tourist facilities such as the aquarium, along with old shopping streets and residential area.

Minatomachi POTLUCK BUILDING
Minatomachi POTLUCK BUILDING is a new community space utilizing a building of a former stationary store along the shopping street in the port town.

In the word “POTLUCK”, which originally means a meal without special preparation or dishes brought by guests to be shared in a gathering, we could also find human action to be creative in utilizing what you already have and make occasions enjoyable by sharing.

Based on this point of view, we are aiming to learn from each other by sharing problems to be solved, and exchanging insights of individuals for creative solutions at Minatomachi POTLUCK BUILDING.

We reckon that the district needs to make the most of its resources and history in a creative manner with new perspectives. Applying art and design with the idea of “creative thinking” to community development could multiply potentials of the area and its residents, as it turns into a trigger to have a new awareness towards the entire town. Through various programs offered in the building, we will expand opportunities for exchanging ideas in dialogue, to have a better understanding of others and a coexisting society.

Photo: Yasuko Okamura

Photo: Yasuko Okamura