Ancient and Contemporary Japanese Kites Take Flight in Italy for ‘One Sky One World’ Peace Festival

The internationally renowned ARTEVENTO Festival, the world’s longest-running kite festival, is making its vibrant return to Cervia, Italy, from October 11 to 22, 2024. This year’s autumn event, One Sky One World – Festival of Kites for Peace, promises to deliver a captivating 12-day celebration, blending the artistry of kite flying with a rich array of cultural and educational activities.

The festival’s special highlight for 2024 is the exhibition Around the World in 80 Kites – Japan Special, a tribute to Japan’s rich kite-making heritage and a testament to ARTEVENTO’s enduring global cultural significance.

ARTEVENTO – Aquilone Aristide Prandelli – Photo by Wolfgang Bieck

The festival’s centerpiece, hosted at the historic Magazzino del Sale Torre, will feature an unprecedented exhibition dedicated to both ancient and contemporary Japanese kites. Organized under the sponsorship of the Italian Ministry of Culture, the Japanese Institute of Culture in Italy, and the AIMSC (Italian Association of Printing and Paper Museums), the event underscores ARTEVENTO’s long-standing role in promoting kites as an “intangible heritage of humanity.”

This year’s festival is especially significant, marking the twinning of ARTEVENTO’s Kite Museum with the Tako no Hakubutsukan Museum in Tokyo. This cultural partnership celebrates the acquisition of a unique collection of traditional Nagoya kites, a rare gift from Japanese kite master Masaaki Sato.

His distinctive “koryu dako” kite, crafted in the shape of an insect, exemplifies the fusion of art and environmental symbolism, reflecting themes of biodiversity and sustainability. This rare collection, originally destined for Nagoya, will now find a permanent home in Europe thanks to the passion and dedication of ARTEVENTO’s artistic director, Caterina Capelli.

Traditional Nagoya Kites by Masaaki Sato

Additionally, the festival will feature over 20 works donated by Masaaki Modegi, President of the Japan Kite Association and Director of the Tokyo Kite Museum. These significant contributions, along with works from other masters, will be exhibited in the evocative setting of the Magazzino del Sale, further cementing ARTEVENTO’s role as a global hub for kite culture and artistry.

The exhibition will also explore Japan’s centuries-old kite traditions, focusing on the craftsmanship and philosophy behind kite-making. Visitors will gain insight into the materials, such as bamboo and washi paper, that are central to this ancient practice. The exhibition, which emphasizes environmental sustainability, is designed to be an educational experience, with plans to become a touring showcase for broader international audiences.

Beyond the exhibition, the festival is brimming with activities. A key highlight will be the Parade for Peace on October 13, organized in partnership with the PerugiAssisi Foundation. This event aligns with ARTEVENTO’s recent commitment to the global peace movement, encouraging collective creativity and community action around the theme of kites as symbols of peace, freedom, and environmental stewardship.

The festival, open to the public with free admission, promises an immersive experience for all ages, combining artistry, heritage, and a powerful message of global unity. For more information on workshops, guided tours, and the festival’s complete schedule, visit www.artevento.com

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