Photographing and Curating the Town in Hisai: The 7th 'Walk. See. Photograph.'

From Shooting to Exhibiting: A Collaborative Process

The theme of the workshop is your local town. Rather than focusing solely on camera techniques, participants observe their surroundings, review their photos, and uncover the distinct charm within everyday scenes. The workshop welcomes everyone from complete beginners wanting to pick up photography to experienced enthusiasts. By sharing work and impressions with other participants, attendees can also discover how different viewers perceive their images.

The first session begins in the morning with classroom lectures on photography and a look at works from past workshops, followed by a lunch break, a lecture on fundamental techniques, and practical shooting exercises. For the assignment due by the next session, participants must take 100 photos of their hometown. Looking beyond merely taking pictures, comparing each other's photos offers a chance to explore the diverse perspectives through which a town can be captured.

On Day 2, everyone shares their captured photographs. Participants talk through their thoughts and experiences alongside their work, pooling observations before moving on to selecting pieces for the exhibition. Exploring the perspectives of both photographer and viewer helps narrow down the candidates for display.

On Day 3, participants finalize the exhibition selections based on the photos shortlisted the previous day. They also discuss the exhibition title and the text for captions. The workshop explores how images communicate their impression to others, extending beyond photo sequencing to naming the overall show and crafting accompanying words.

Day 4 covers designing the promotional postcard flyers and framing the photographs. On the morning of the final day, participants hang the works with display wires and adjust the lighting. Experiencing the full sequence—shooting, sharing, selecting, framing, and installing—the workshop wraps up with a reflective review.

The instructor is Yutaka Matsubara, a photographer based in Misato-cho, Tsu City, whose work explores local landscapes, daily life, and memory. His 'Kaiwai' series in the booklet 'kalas' documented the streets of Hisai, and in 2011 he published the photobook 'Mura no Kioku' (Memories of Villages). Under Matsubara's guidance, participants develop fresh perspectives on capturing their own familiar neighborhoods.

Experience the Results: Participant Exhibition and Gallery Talk

Works created during the workshop will be showcased at the 'Walk. See. Photograph. Vol. 7 Participants Exhibition', held from March 20 to April 18, 2027, along the Hisai Art Street inside Tsu City Hisai ARS PLAZA. The venue is closed on Tuesdays, or the following weekday if Tuesday is a national holiday. Following the exhibition, the works are also scheduled to be published on the venue's online web gallery once preparations are complete.

On the opening day, March 20, a gallery talk will be held featuring contemporary photography researcher Keiju Kita and Yutaka Matsubara. Starting at 14:00, the talk will take place in the Information Lounge on the 1st floor of Tsu City Hisai ARS PLAZA. Admission is free, with advance registration available via a dedicated form. Walk-ins are also welcome on the day if seats remain. Attending this opening-day talk does not require enrollment in the workshop.

The five sessions will be held on November 7, 2026; January 23 and 24, 2027; February 23, 2027; and March 20, 2027. Hours run from 10:00 to 17:00 on November 7, January 23, and March 20, and from 13:00 to 17:00 on January 24 and February 23. Days starting at 10:00 include a lunch break; participants must bring their own lunch on Days 1, 2, and 5. On the final day, participants complete the exhibition installation in the morning, attend the gallery talk in the afternoon, and conclude with a review session.

The workshop is open to junior high school students and older, with a capacity of 10 participants. The application deadline is October 25, 2026, but registration will close early once capacity is reached. Tuition for all five sessions is 8,000 yen for general admission and 7,000 yen for Club ARS (Friends of ARS) members, including consumption tax and insurance. Payment must be made within one week of applying. Applicants must provide their address, contact information, date of birth, and occupation for insurance coverage purposes; staff will follow up by email or phone after registration.

Participants should bring a camera, drinks, and wear comfortable clothing. Prior consultation is required if you wish to participate using a smartphone or similar device. For the assignment photos, participants may print their own prints and bring them on Day 2, or request printing at the facility for 15 yen per print (tax included). Anyone wishing to experience the complete journey—from capturing photos to curating and presenting them in an exhibition—can review the schedule and preparation details before applying.