Kobe with Kids

Kobe has long been an important place for pop culture in Japan. Shinkaichi Art Plaza provides a venue to nurture all kinds of art forms, including theater, film-making, music, visual arts, and dance. It’s the perfect place for young artists to display their work, network with others, and rehearse for performances. As for non-artists in the community, they can visit the center to see performances, check out the exhibitions, and meet locals in Kobe who also have a passion for art. Originally called Kobe Art Village Center, it went through renovations for its 25th anniversary and re-opened in April 2023 under the new name, chosen to reflect the fact it is in the Shinkaichi district. The center also received new branding — designed to make the center more accessible and to reach an audience beyond just artists. The hope was this would make art a big part of Kobe again. Exhibitions The renovation of the facility converted a theater in the basement into a gallery dedicated to exhibitions from solo artists and groups. There is also a second gallery near the main entrance — this is one of the first things you’ll see when you arrive. Artists are welcome to…