Australia is participating in the world's largest open-air visual arts festival, the Echigo Tsumari Triennial, presenting Japan with an image of Australia that goes beyond beaches and koalas. In one of the largest presentations of Australian contemporary visual and performing arts to be held in Japan, 'Ancient Future - Australian Arts Festival Japan 2003', will feature more than 20 events at some of Japan's most prestigious venues and festivals from July 2003 to February 2004. 'The festival will build on the already successful arts relationship between Australia and Japan,' said Alexander Downer, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs. 'Australians have long had an interest in Japanese artistic and cultural traditions, and many people in Japan are increasingly enjoying a wide range of Australian performing and visual arts, particularly contemporary and Indigenous arts.' The festival is a major new cultural program by the Australia International Cultural Council, an initiative of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in partnership with the Australia Council for the Arts. For further information on the Australia Council for the Arts, CLICK HERE.