Ladies and gentlemen, I am honored to participate in the inauguration of the “Dancing With All” exhibition here at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa.
Thanks to the vision and dedication of Director Yuko Hasegawa and her talented team of curators, we send a timely message about the urgent need to preserve our planet and to cultivate a way of life that keeps us in harmony with all living beings.
Through the evocative language of art, we are reminded of our shared responsibility to protect the environment, conveyed here by an array of works that span diverse traditions and disciplines. Among them, pieces from Italian artists intertwine with creations from across the globe, demonstrating that art knows no boundaries in its call for empathy and collective action.
Tomorrow, on the occasion of the international symposium “Around New Ecologies: Finding the Rhythm to Dance With”, co-organized by the Embassy of Italy, we will explore even deeper into the theme of this exhibition. This multidisciplinary forum promises to shed light on pressing ecological challenges, fostering a dialogue that transcends borders and fields of expertise to offer insights on sustainable coexistence.
In this context, I would also like to recognize the resilience of Kanazawa and the Ishikawa Prefecture. Less than a year ago, this region endured a devastating earthquake. Mayor Takashi Murayama, Governor Hiroshi Hase and the people of this community have shown great strength and determination in the face of adversity. Exhibitions like this not only celebrate art but also help to heal the wounds left by such tragedies and to strengthen the social fabric of this region.
In its history Kanazawa has been a place where creativity and natural inspiration converge, like in the majestic Kenroku-en. I am happy to see that this glorious tradition is continuing until today with this important exhibition.
To those who have contributed to this event, I extend my deepest gratitude.