The National Hsinchu Living Arts Center (formerly Hsinchu Community Education Center) has been actively promoting collection development since 1981, exploring the cultural history of Zhuzhan and the development of nine counties and cities in northern Taiwan. The center aims to redefine the historical and future positioning of the Hsinchu Guild Hall, which has witnessed Taiwan's century-long cultural history and has become an important cultural memory and spiritual symbol. This "Prelude" special exhibition is based on the center's collections, featuring selected artworks that showcase the achievements of the Living Arts Center. The exhibition title "Prelude," inscribed by Hsinchu County calligrapher Master Wei Kun-song, interprets the development of Taiwan's modern aesthetics in the 20th century and reconstructs the dialogue between contemporary living aesthetics and social education.
Artwork by Li Ze Fan "The Old Appearance of the Community Education Hall" (Photo/Source: Ministry of Culture Website)
Director Ye Yu-cheng of the National Hsinchu Living Arts Center pointed out that the collections are not only important assets of the center but also a vital bridge connecting local cultural development, international cultural exchange, and economic industries. He emphasized that through the revitalization of collections, static art pieces are given dynamic stories, reflecting cultural equality and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), further deepening the practice of living aesthetics.
Curator Dr. Ling Chun-yu stated that the collection is the core foundation of the Hsinchu Living Arts Center, representing a close connection between artists, historical culture, and social dialogue. This exhibition features 22 representative collections under three major themes, fully showcasing the rich connotations of Taiwan's culture and art. The curation process transforms the static collections into narrative-driven exhibitions, reflecting the core value of collection revitalization and further promoting public participation and reflection in cultural and artistic fields.
Artwork by Lü Yanqing "Matsu Sentiments" (Photo/Source: Ministry of Culture Website)
This exhibition focuses on the "Collection Revitalization" project, injecting new life into the collections and providing audiences with an opportunity to appreciate art deeply while enhancing the impact of living aesthetics. The project regularly presents selected works from the center's collections, redefining the relationship between art and life and encouraging future reflections on artistic development.
The "Prelude" special exhibition is on display at the Yihai Pavilion of the National Hsinchu Living Arts Center from October 2 to November 27, with opening hours from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily (closed on Mondays). For more information, please visit the official website of the National Hsinchu Living Arts Center: https://www.nhclac.gov.tw.
