Abstract
Traditional crafts embody the skills and knowledge cultivated in local communities and passed down through generations, preserving unique regional cultures and identities. However, these traditions are now in rapid decline, facing challenges such as a shortage of successors, a lack of materials, and a declining public interest due to changing consumer lifestyles. While administrative bodies and museums are working to counteract this trend through exhibitions, this study explores a new exhibition model designed to create a more accessible entry point to traditional crafts. To this end, we held an exhibition in 2024 featuring "Nomin Bijutsu" (Farmers' Art), a traditional craft from Nagano Prefecture. The exhibition was built on three platforms: a mobile museum in a familiar space (Format 1), a hands- on experience with replicas (Format 2), and an online gallery of 3DCG models (Format 3). In addition to these formats, we introduced a new method of engagement called "Analytical Design Appreciation." This approach treats traditional crafts as objects of design, using charts of the form and color of Koppa- ningyo dolls to make them more accessible and encourage direct appreciation. This study concludes that integrating physical and virtual experiences is an effective strategy for this exhibition model, and that meaningful human interaction is essential to facilitate this integration.
Keywords
Traditional Crafts; Exhibition Design; Mobile Museum; Digital Technology
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21606/iasdr.2025.468
Citation
Ishikawa, Y.(2025) Exploring an Exhibition Model to Create an Accessible Entry Point to Traditional Crafts, in Chang, C.-Y., and Hsu, Y. (eds.), IASDR 2025: Design Next, 02-05 December, Taiwan. https://doi.org/10.21606/iasdr.2025.468
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Conference Track
Track 11 - Culture and Craft Design for Regenerative Practices
Exploring an Exhibition Model to Create an Accessible Entry Point to Traditional Crafts
Traditional crafts embody the skills and knowledge cultivated in local communities and passed down through generations, preserving unique regional cultures and identities. However, these traditions are now in rapid decline, facing challenges such as a shortage of successors, a lack of materials, and a declining public interest due to changing consumer lifestyles. While administrative bodies and museums are working to counteract this trend through exhibitions, this study explores a new exhibition model designed to create a more accessible entry point to traditional crafts. To this end, we held an exhibition in 2024 featuring "Nomin Bijutsu" (Farmers' Art), a traditional craft from Nagano Prefecture. The exhibition was built on three platforms: a mobile museum in a familiar space (Format 1), a hands- on experience with replicas (Format 2), and an online gallery of 3DCG models (Format 3). In addition to these formats, we introduced a new method of engagement called "Analytical Design Appreciation." This approach treats traditional crafts as objects of design, using charts of the form and color of Koppa- ningyo dolls to make them more accessible and encourage direct appreciation. This study concludes that integrating physical and virtual experiences is an effective strategy for this exhibition model, and that meaningful human interaction is essential to facilitate this integration.