The future of ICC “Art x Communication = Open!”

There you go! My top2 venue in Tokyo is not closing its doors.
But I am left wondering what has really changed from its previous concept. I think that the dialogue between technology and the arts and the facility open to one and all where people and information interact freely sound like great plans but already there were more than 18 side events organised around their last event in december, so why did the space almost close its doors?

Well, I, for one, didn’t hear or read about any of those 18 side events, did you? Sure you can find the schedule on their website (bilingual+post-event pics!), but I really think that those events should be made more accessible, so normal (non-geek, non-artist, non media-art student) people feel invited, and then you need to provoke and challenge those people… Otherwise you end up with a great, free, but empty (or silent/sleepy) forum.

Another example hinting in that direction: last year’s most popular event (by far: 23,000 visits instead of the usual 10,000) was Maywa Denki‘s fantastically non-sensical show, one very accessible, very funny and hands-on (great workshop) show full of un-geeky, un-arty, un-pretentious interactions.

So please ICC, bring on the monthly (bilingual) meetups (not “talks” and outside of regular schedule) with media art students from all over Japan and artists, (bilingual) hands-on workshops by international media wizards in town for couple days who can try to transmit in plain, simple words the excitement of their work to un-educated crowds, the (bilingual) live internet broadcasts (archived and viewable at any time even after the end of the show), the (bilingual) blog with news snippets and interviews, newsletter etc…
More than a showcase space, or a historical review, ICC must take on the role of the great educator, moreover, educator for the un-educated; what people need is not another echo-chamber, nor another catalogue! People wanna learn and have fun!
So, bring it on! You have all our support!