Project Leader	Fukuoka Madoka (Osaka University, Graduate School of Human Sciences)
Collaborators	Yamamoto Hiroyuki (Kyoto University, Center for Southeast Asian Studies) Hagai Saori (Ritsumeikan Universtiy, Ritsumeikan International) Takeshita Ai (Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, School of Culture and Language Studies)
Research Project	Consideration on Practices of Contemporary Arts in Southeast Asia: Preliminary Research Focusing on Performing Art Forms
Countries of Study	Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Philippines, Japan

Outline of Research

Focusing on the performing art forms including dance, theater, etc., this study examines the current state of contemporary art practice in Southeast Asia. Through the review of literatures, dialogues, interviews, and collaborative creation (commissioning of new works), the study aims to explore how the practitioners of art activities in contemporary Southeast Asia confront the various issues in contemporary world. This year marks the second year of the project, and the aim is to publish the discussion paper (English version) based on the research result as well as the performance of creative theater piece.

Purpose of Research, Its Significance and Expected Results, etc

This study focuses on the activities of Southeast Asian artists facing the contemporary worlds and investigates the sites of creative endeavors that aim to share history and memory, confront traditional culture, and explore identity. Through the case studies, it would be possible to indicate the perspectives on the potential impact of the contemporary art practice on the global issues, such as the secularization and tourism of the religious performances, the sharing collective bodily memories in immigrant societies, the transformation of values in a media transition period, and the conflict with the traditional norms.

By publishing the discussion paper in English, it would be possible to share the information and research findings with currently active artists and the practitioners of contemporary arts in Southeast Asia.

By presenting the research results through the performance of art  works, it would be possible to share the findings with many people in society, transcending the boundaries of the academic fields .
In the future, this study can be developed into the long-term research project that aims to consider the further points: 1. consider Southeast Asia as cultural region through examination of contemporary art. 2. consider art activities that engage with society. 3. consider the relationship between visual art and performance. 4. consider the relationship between contemporary art and the history, politic, and society of Southeast Asia. 5. consider the relationship between contemporary art and globalization.