Sister city artworks go on display in Kyneton

Published on 24 June 2019

Artworks from Macedon Ranges’ sister city in Japan are currently on display in the foyer of Council’s Kyneton offices in Mollison Street.

The artworks have been provided as part of an art exchange, which was the final action of the current sister city agreement with Tokai City, Japan.

The artwork includes a timber framed calligraphy piece which represents the relationship between Tokai City and Macedon Ranges Shire. The calligraphy translation is kaku jyu sen zai — a crane has a thousand years lifespan — and was created by artist Mr Kenji Katayama.

The second piece is a framed paper collage by artist Mr Hisako Shiraishi and depicts a dashi float in the Ota Festival. It originated from a special decoration and was dedicated to Omiya shrine in Tokai City to pray for a good harvest and good health.

After a two-week display period in Kyneton, the artworks will go on display in Council’s other administration and service centres in Gisborne, Woodend and Romsey in coming months.

As part of the art exchange, three bronze artworks depicting iconic Australian animals including the echidna and crow and created by local artist Larissa Gray are now on public display at the Tokai City Culture Centre.

Council recently signed a new five-year sister city agreement with Tokai City Council, which will culminate in a new action plan.

The sister city arrangement between the shire and Tokai City Council, which is in the Aichi Prefecture of Japan, promotes mutual goodwill between the municipalities through experiences and exchanges centred on culture, education and commerce.