Ayana Ishihara

Ayana Ishihara is a Japanese scenographer, costume designer, and multidisciplinary artist based in Oslo, Norway. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Scenography from the Norwegian Theatre Academy at Østfold University College (2019–2022).

Ayana’s artistic practice explores how principles of universal design can be combined with sensory approaches to create more inclusive art experiences. Her work aims to engage not only sight but also touch, scent, sound, and other sensory dimensions—broadening how art can be perceived.

Her interest in inclusive art stems from her background. Before studying scenography in Norway, Ayana trained to become a Japanese Sign Language interpreter and was an active member of Kyoyohin-net, a volunteer group in Tokyo that researches universal design in collaboration with both disabled and non-disabled members. Through experiences such as visiting museums alongside members with visual impairments, she began asking: How can art be experienced without seeing? This question planted a seed that would later shape her sensory-focused artistic practice.

In 2023, Ayana was awarded a diverse scholarship (diversestipend) from Arts Council Norway. She has also received project funding from Arts Council Norway for her upcoming work, When I Close My Eyes and Ears, I Sense You Clearly, which focuses on inclusive, multi-sensory art experiences. The premiere will take place on 26 May 2026 in Fredrikstad, Norway.