Akiko TAKESHITA Performing Arts Producer

Born in 1976 in Chiba, Japan. After finishing her high school study, Akiko went on to take College of Social Science, Ritsumeikan University. She studied the history of contemporary art viewed from sociological standpoint, and after graduating, she went on to take a master’s degree in sociology at Graduate School of Sociology in the same university, where she researched the definition of “Asia” in the context of international exhibitions and museums. Also, during the same period, she was exposed to the scenes of contemporary art and thinkings through her involvement in the editing of “Diatxt.”, a review magazine run by an aesthetician Hiroshi Yoshioka as the the chief editor.

After finishing her master’s degree, Akiko remained in Kyoto and worked as an art coordinator who oversees Artist in Residence programs at Kyoto Art Center. She was engaged in the production of exhibitions and performances, working together with domestic and international artists from various fields ranging from traditional arts to contemporary and performing arts. Akiko left her position at the Center after her term of office expired, and became responsible for the stage production at Kyoto Performing Arts Center at Kyoto University of Art and Design. The shows and projects she worked on include Shogo Ota’s “Can You Hear? - fuga #3”(2005), Richard Foreman & Sophie Haviland’s “The Bridge Project”(2006), and Setsuko Yamada’s “Un Captif Amoureux“(2008).

Akiko joined YCAM in April, 2008. The original shows at YCAM she produced include Hiroaki Umeda’s dance work “Holistic Strata”(2011), a tour performance “hey you, ask the animals”(2013) by contact Gonzo in collaboration with YCAM, and a collaborative work “LIFE—WELL”(2013) by Mansai Nomura + Ryuichi Sakamoto + Shiro Takatani that incorporated Japanese traditional Noh. Also, she has been responsible for directing research & development projects that seek new relationships between technology and human body, such as “Reactor for Awareness in Motion”(2010~) project.

Akiko investigates the possibilities of human body through performing arts, and pursues her duties to share ideas conceived by artists and creators with a wide range of people, and realize projects that stimulate redefinition of the idea of “application” and “participation” in particular.