FAME 2013 Journal - Yolanda

November 2013

Heartfelt thanks to the Hong Kong Arts Administrators Association for granting me the opportunity to have fellowship attachment at the NTCH. It has been one month since I arrived in Taipei in mid-October, and I am now working at the programming and marketing department of the centre to understand more about NTCH’s work on programme planning, audience development and venue management. During the time I also viewed a number of local and international performances which provided me precious insights.

In 2004, NTCH went through a restructuring process and became an administrative corporation from a government department. Because of this, NTCH has developed its own flexibility in artistic direction and administration as an independent arts organisation with carefully established executive structure. Frank discussions I had with the friendly NTCH colleagues about the experiences and thoughts they gained through all those changes are truly valuable sharing of knowledge and views of our professions. As one of the most important cultural venues in Taiwan, NTCH strikes a good balance in the programming of both local and international performances, with a distinctive intension to encourage innovative and cross-border creations. This can be shown in their presentation of the Taiwan International Festival of Arts. Facing the rapidly changing cultural environment with more large-scale cultural venues being established in Taiwan and nearby areas, NTCH colleagues have chosen to take the challenges with an open-minded and adventurous attitude, as well as continuous introspection of its own roles and responsibilities in the overall development of performing arts in Taiwan and the nurturance of local cultures. It is such a vivid reflection of Taiwanese character - generating energy from freedom, consciousness and self-respect.

Autumn is the peak season for Taiwan arts performances. Began with the Huashan Living Arts Festival and more individual performances of different art forms, I was lucky enough to meet a lot of local performing arts groups in Taiwan, and was still wondering about the rich performing styles and in-depth discussions of various topics. In a month, I met face to face with Taiwanese cultures – the diversity, vitality and potentiality. I look forward to the coming two months for more exciting experiences and observations to share with you.