fragmentin Selected to Participate in SIAF2027! Pre-Talk Event Announced
Connecting Switzerland and Hokkaido through Sustainable Artistic Exchange
Ahead of Sapporo International Art Festival 2027(SIAF2027), Swiss media art collective fragmentin travels to Hokkaido to begin developing a newly commissioned artwork. Supported by the Embassy of Switzerland in Japan, this project aims to foster long-term artistic collaboration and cultural exchange between Switzerland and Japan, with a strong emphasis on regional engagement in Hokkaido. Through the Vitality.Swiss program, Switzerland supports the development of sustainable creative networks that connect artists, institutions, and local contexts across borders. Discover fragmentin’s journey toward their new commission for SIAF2027.
Swiss media art collective fragmentin joins SIAF2027
The Sapporo International Art Festival (SIAF) is continuing preparations for its next edition, SIAF2027, scheduled for January–February 2027. It has been announced that, alongside fashion designer Yuima Nakazato, the Swiss media art collective fragmentin will present a new work at the Moerenuma Park venue. fragmentin is a Swiss-based collective of three artists—David Columbini, Laura Nieder and Marc Dubois—internationally recognized for their work in media art, including at Prix Ars Electronica. fragmentin’s participation, in collaboration with SIAF and with the support of the Embassy of Switzerland in Japan, is realized as part of the Vitality.Swiss program and marks the collective’s first major presentation in Japan.
Open Talk Event : Research and Dialogue Centered on Moerenuma Park
In March 2026, fragmentin members Marc Dubois and Laura Nieder will undertake a short-term research residency in Sapporo, focusing on Moerenuma Park and its unique natural and cultural environment. The residency will form the basis for a newly commissioned artwork to be presented at SIAF2027. During this period, SIAF will organize a public talk titled “SIAF2027 Public Talk: Shaping the Moerenuma Park Exhibition with fragmentin & DAT.” The event will bring together fragmentin and members of Dialogue on Art and Technology (DAT), a professional development program dedicated to art and technology practices. The talk will feature presentations by fragmentin on their current research, alongside contributions from Masaki Fujihata, Executive Director of DAT and a pioneer of media art in Japan. Through presentations and a panel discussion, participants will engage in a professional dialogue to explore and refine exhibition concepts for Moerenuma Park at SIAF2027.
【Event Outline】
Date & Time: Saturday, 7 March 2026, 14:00–16:00 (Doors open at 13:30)
Venue: Sapporo City Library and Information Center, 1st Floor Salon (Sapporo Community Plaza, 1-1 Kita 1-jo Nishi 1-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo)
Speakers: Marc Dubois (fragmentin), Laura Nieder (fragmentin), Masaki Fujihata (Media Artist / Executive Director, DAT)
Note: The event will be conducted in Japanese. Consecutive interpretation will be provided for English-speaking participants.
Moderator: Asami Hosokawa (SIAF2027 Festival Director)
Admission: Free
Capacity: 50 participants (first-come, first-served)
Organizers: Sapporo International Art Festival Executive Committee / City of Sapporo
Supported by: Embassy of Switzerland in Japan / Dialogue on Art and Technology (DAT)
Article’s cover:
Reference work of SIAF2027: Fragmentin “GLOBAL WIRING” 2023 / Courtesy of Sapporo International Art Festival Executive Committee