01 / HISTORY
A Place with the Light On
For usaginingen, the entry point into Teshima’s history was the illegal industrial waste problem. Learning about the former infant welfare facility ShinAiKan opened that view further back, to the island’s history as a place of welfare.
Many children once lived in this building. If someone who grew up here ever comes back looking for their roots, we want it to be a place with the light on, not a ruin.
Using ShinAiKan became the starting point for forming Teshima GROW together with other child-raising families on the island, and we have kept running and repairing the building ever since.
We have also completed an archive room together with students from Kagawa University to learn about and share the history of the people who once lived here.
01 / HISTORY
A Place with the Light On
For usaginingen, the entry point into Teshima’s history was the illegal industrial waste problem. Learning about the former infant welfare facility ShinAiKan opened that view further back, to the island’s history as a place of welfare.
Many children once lived in this building. If someone who grew up here ever comes back looking for their roots, we want it to be a place with the light on, not a ruin.
Using ShinAiKan became the starting point for forming Teshima GROW together with other child-raising families on the island, and we have kept running and repairing the building ever since.
We have also completed an archive room together with students from Kagawa University to learn about and share the history of the people who once lived here.
02 / GATHERING
Scenes of Gathering
At ShinAiKan, we regularly host the Kodomo Otona Shokudo (a community dining event for children and adults) and Teshinema Club. We invite chefs to cook and share meals together, and gather to watch films. Food and film bring a wide range of people to this place.
Once a year, we also organise Setouchi Merry Go Round, a handmade festival we create for our own enjoyment. Centred on the theme of “turning,” it brings together local traditions, everyday activities, and the different forms of expression each participant brings.
02 / GATHERING
Scenes of Gathering
At ShinAiKan, we regularly host the Kodomo Otona Shokudo (a community dining event for children and adults) and Teshinema Club. We invite chefs to cook and share meals together, and gather to watch films. Food and film bring a wide range of people to this place.
Once a year, we also organise Setouchi Merry Go Round, a handmade festival we create for our own enjoyment. Centred on the theme of “turning,” it brings together local traditions, everyday activities, and the different forms of expression each participant brings.
03 / RESIDENCY
Welcoming Artistic Expression from Elsewhere
We run an artist residency at ShinAiKan because we want children living on the island and people close to us to have opportunities to encounter the work of different artists. We also want to meet and exchange ideas with artists from different backgrounds and artistic practices.
Resident artists bring their own practices to this place. Toward the end of each residency, we organise an open studio or similar event, creating an opportunity for them to share what they have been working on.
03 / RESIDENCY
Welcoming Artistic Expression from Elsewhere
We run an artist residency at ShinAiKan because we want children living on the island and people close to us to have opportunities to encounter the work of different artists. We also want to meet and exchange ideas with artists from different backgrounds and artistic practices.
Resident artists bring their own practices to this place. Toward the end of each residency, we organise an open studio or similar event, creating an opportunity for them to share what they have been working on.
