A Painting For A Family Dinner is a socially engaged art project developed in different cultural contexts and regions.

To date, the artists Alina Bliumis and Jeff Bliumis have had dinners with sixty-two families in such locations as Dortmund, Germany (2025), Tokyo (2021), Lecce, Italy (2013), Beijing (2013), the Bronx, New York (2012), and Bat-Yam, Israel (2008). 

For Chiba City Arts Triennale 2025, the artists sent out the following call for participation to locals in Chiba: “A husband and wife artist team is offering a painting in exchange for an invitation to a family dinner. Please, email or call for more info.”

Alina Bliumis and Jeff Bliumis then paid visits to the families who responded. They set no special guidelines or arrangements. Instead, they value the interactions that arise during the dinner. Before each evening meal, the couple paints a still life of fruit with a “Thank You for Your Dinner!” message on it.

After the meal, the painting is hung on a wall and a group photograph taken with the family to mark the occasion. The painting is given to the family and left behind as a testament to the family’s invitation.

During the main period of the festival, the photographs that resulted from these exchanges are exhibited. Deeply rooted in everyday life, the project is made possible by the participation of locals in the community. The artists and families are equal participants in the project, becoming the co-creators who shape the project through their interactions.

Event Overview

• Dates: September 19 (Fri) – November 24 (Mon, substitute holiday), 2025
• Venue 1: Nishichiba Residence Avenue (temporary fencing)（Inage-ku, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture 263-0021）
  [No parking]
• Venue 2: Chibagin Consulting Plaza Chiba (window)（1F Tsukamoto Dai-Chiba Building, 2-3-1 Fujimi, Chuo-ku, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture）
  [No parking]
• Free admission
• Area Sponsor: Nishichiba Residence Avenue

Heatstroke Prevention Measures

Please take measures to prevent heatstroke by staying hydrated and wearing a hat, etc., according to the environment. If you feel unwell, please notify a nearby staff member.

Photography and Video Recording

Photography and video recording will be conducted on the day for promotional and record-keeping purposes. Media outlets may also conduct interviews and filming. Photographs and videos taken may be published on the Chiba International Art Festival website, social media, brochures, and other promotional materials, as well as on television, magazines, and other media. We kindly ask for your understanding in advance.