(Oita Godo Newspaper, April 11th 2009, evening paper)

 "Beppu Contemporary Art Festival 2009-Mixed Bathing World" was commenced on April 11th in Beppu City. It was the first time for such a large-sized international art festival to be held in the city. In each city in the prefecture, modern art, contemporary dance, and music would be displayed in various programs that would be held within the 2-monts period of the festival till June 14th 2009.

"Art Gate Cruise", the main program is a program in which the participants can see and appreciate the art works and performances by international artists displayed in various places within the city. On the first day, the ticket was free.

The art works and performances by the international artists can be found mainly in central district areas, Kannawa, Beppu International Tourist Center, and three other areas, which ten different places in total. While appreciating a gigantic wall painting with the motif of sea waves and flowers (width: 20 meters, height: 4-5 meters) and the atmosphere of more-than-100-years-ago traditional Japanese-style architecture, we can also enjoy the art works and productions and taste the vibrancy of the city, as well as the video installations of beautiful sceneries in Beppu that had been taken from different perspectives. There was also a workshop to broadcast the contemporary art.

Generally the price of passport, which was the ticket for the cruise (usable for 2 full days), is 1800 Yen, but for students the price is 1500 Yen. The free pass that can be used during the period of 2 months of the festival as many times as you want costs 3400 Yen. For Junior High School students and below, the passport is free. Especially in weekends, it is necessary to purchase the passport to attend the contemporary music and dance performances like "Beppu Dance" and "Beppu Music" programs. For further information or inquire, contact the executive committee office at 0977-22-3560.

Comment: Honestly, personally I think the name "Mixed Bathing World" is quite intriguing. In English, it might have another conotation to it and might raise some distorted ideas about the event. However, as intriguing as it is, it might contribute to the attraction of the event itself.

Katarina Marsha Utama Nugroho

Indonesia

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, APM 3