Changing Perspectives 2004

Changing Perspectives enters its third year

The 2004 JAGS committee included 11 JET participants from 5 countries. With all but one member new to the JAGS committee, there were many things to learn along the way.

First year at the Shimane Art Museum

2004 was the first year for the exhibition to be held in the Shimane Art Museum. This meant new rules to play by, and new people to introduce to the "Changing Perspectives" exhibition concept. The new venue proved to be a wonderful success, providing a beautiful environment in which to showcase the talent of over 30 exhibitors. A concerted effort to translate promotional materials into languages other than English encouraged artists from China, Korea and Russia to exhibit. The exhibition lasted 10 days and attracted over 1300 visitors as well as gaining generous media coverage on television and in local newspapers.

Special thanks

On behalf of the 2004 committee I would like to thank the Shimane International Center and the Matsue International Exchange Association, not only for the respective grants we received to assist in funding the exhibition, but also for their ongoing support of JAGS since its inception in 2002. Both offices have provided JAGS with invaluable advice and logistical support along the way, and have been central to the exhibition's success.

I would like to wish the 2005 committee all the best as they, once again, take Changing Perspectives "on the road". I am excited by everyone's enthusiasm and energy and hope there is still plenty of it left once its all over so we can inspire some more fresh JETs to continue the tradition into 2006!

Read Tim's article about Changing Perspectives in The Shimanean.