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Can Kyoto Become an Art Hub? Politicians and Dealers Go All In

An alternative-minded art fair has boosted the city's art scene. Will the momentum continue?

The Kiyomizu-dera Temple overlooking Kyoto earlier this year. Photo: Andrzej Iwanczuk/NurPhoto via Getty Images.

Cathy Fan Nov 9, 2026

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Even as seasoned art dealers and collectors grumble about fair-tigue, Kyoto remains hard for them to resist.

Every November, tourists flock to Japan’s former capital for its famous foliage, and in recent years they have been joined by art types who are on hand for Art Collaboration Kyoto (ACK). The fair pairs Japanese and international galleries in shared booths, and its sixth edition, which closed today, had the most ambitious slate of offerings yet.

When ACK started in 2021, about 33 art programs were staged simultaneously at galleries, museums, and other, unconventional venues in the city.…