TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taipei Department for Youth hosted an international youth artist residency showcase on Friday at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, featuring eight emerging artists selected from 76 applicants representing 27 countries.
This year’s participating artists from Japan, Canada, Lithuania, Croatia, Israel, the Philippines and Belgium have been developing new works at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, the Neihu District Office and Dadaocheng, per a press release.
The department said the program focuses on international exchange and engagement with local culture, encouraging artists to draw inspiration from Taipei’s history, neighborhoods and communities.
During the showcase, artists described how Taipei’s textures, streets and multicultural environment helped them discover new visual languages, which they expressed through murals, graffiti and other forms of public art.
Attendees included Taipei City Councilors Ho Meng-hua (何孟樺) and Yen Jo-fang (顏若芳); Department of Information Technology Commissioner Chao Shih-lung (趙式隆); Department of Sports Commissioner Yu Zhu-ping (游竹萍); and Songshan Cultural and Creative Park Director Chao Chuan-ling (趙釧玲).
Ho said viewing Taipei through the eyes of international artists allows the public to rediscover the city and appreciate its cultural depth. Yen noted that street art is often misunderstood, but the work of residency artists highlights a rich and diverse urban image as seen by international visitors.
Department for Youth Commissioner Chou Yi-hsi (周羿希) said the program brings young artistic talent into Taipei and helps share the city’s stories on an international stage. She added that the works allow residents of all ages to experience Taipei’s creative energy.
The showcase also featured two hands-on workshops led by Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic, Israeli artist Gome Alon, Belgian artist Psoman, and Croatian artist Tea Kvar. The workshops, open to the public, introduced participants to street art techniques and creative approaches from different cultural perspectives.
The Department for Youth said it will continue promoting international artistic exchange and building an inclusive environment where global artists feel welcome. The showcase concludes this year’s residency program while opening new opportunities to connect Taipei with the global art community.
