The aim of New Niigata Riso Plan (meaning ‘creation of ideal community’ plan), proceeded by Niigata Prefecture is to create and to promote unique projects which will revitalize the Tsumari region. As one of the first of those projects, the Tokamachi region has launched Echigo-Tsumari Art Necklace Project. Putting up the theme “Human Beings are a Part of Nature” as the basic idea, we have been coming to grips with the facing problems by following methods

• Six municipalities share the roles and compensate each other to promote the region.
  
• The project makes the best use of art to draw out regional allures and potentials and to spur active exchanges with the rest of the world.
• Introducing art into various projects such as public enterprise, the project should contribute the region to establish its common local color.
• Collaboration work with various people from all over the world is the basic concept of the project.
• The project attempts to become a model case where people and nature coexists in harmony.
  

1. Suteki Hakken: Echigo-Tsumari Rediscovery by 80,000 Inhabitants
   　A photo contest was held to rediscover the natural and cultural charms hidden in the region. The application period was August 1998 through July 1999. There were 3,114 applicants.
   
2. Flower Roads
   　This program aims to present a model of landscape creation with community participation by forming a large regional network using flowers to local people.
3. Stages
   　Spaces for experiencing nature based on local contexts will be created with participation of international architects and artists. These spaces, called “Stages”, are expected to be places where activities will unfold to explore regional prospects.
   
4. Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial
   　The festival is held once every three years to expose the achievements of the Art Necklace Project.