The "YOKOHAMA 2001" will be the first large-scale international exhibition of its kind to be held in Japan. The four artistic directors have been holding discussions for over a year in order to make it an event suitable to the first year of the twenty-first century. Two main policies have emerged naturally from these discussions.

The first is to present the most current, cutting-edge trends of contemporary art. This is especially important in kicking off an exhibition that will continue to be held at regular intervals from now on.

The other aim is to construct a new, broad-ranging image of the world by taking contemporary art beyond its conventional, limited framework and boldly bring it into an adventurous interaction and dialogue with science and philosophy as well as other forms of art.

The culture of the twentieth century was based on specialization. However, excessive specialization can result in a loss of continuity and too much separation between different fields. While focusing on art, we will not be content to stay within the usual boundaries of the field but will take a more flexible approach that involves crossing borders. The chief mission of this project to create a new, more comprehensive vision that joins art and society as we enter an age in which major change and innovation can be expected.

Approximately 100 artists from a wide variety of world regions will be asked to make new work for the exhibition. The exhibition will be organized jointly by four directors; however, each director will carry on individual work and develop original ideas with the expectation that all four approaches will be integrated at the end.

Nearby museums and galleries will be asked to organize special exhibitions to correspond with the triennale to create a multiplier effect and extend the project so that it takes in the entire city of Yokohama. Symposia and other events will be planned to complement the art exhibits.