The National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute (NTCRI) will put the nation's tea culture at the front and center of Creative Expo Taiwan 2019, which will take place from April 24 to May 5 in Taipei, with a pavilion on tea culture at Huashan 1914 Creative Park and a pavilion on tea crafts at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park.
The institute will unveil its two-pronged program under the theme "Tea 3.1415," offering hands-on experiences like rolling and twisting tea leaves and tea-tasting sessions at Huashan. A special interactive section will also harness the power of virtual reality to make visitors feel like they are standing upon a tea farm, amid the hillside fog and fragrant leaves.
At the Songshan pavilion, 12 Taiwanese artisans will exhibit a multitude of interesting craftworks in cooperation with the Support Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand (SACICT) to demonstrate their solid and versatile artistry as well as their creative designs based on traditional skills. This collaboration will also foster further exchanges between Taiwan and Thailand through the craft arts.
Gina Hsu (徐景亭), curator of the two pavilions under the "Tea 3.1415" theme, explained that the pi-inspired title implies that visitors will be able to see the whole picture of Taiwan’s tea culture, using tea as the starting point and the craft arts as the connection between daily life and culture.
At the Songshan park, an eight-meter-long conveyer belt has been installed to display a rotation of tea wares made from different materials and styles, including traditional wares made out of unorthodox materials like brass, marble, and glass, and ceramic. Wares in Japanese and Nordic flavors will also be displayed to serve as contrast to Taiwanese styles.
Both pavilions will host workshops and forums featuring tea specialists, artists, and writers. From tea history and craft arts to traditional and modern snacks that best accompany tea, these tea enthusiasts will share their views with visitors seated on tatami mats provided by NTCRI. More information is available at creativexpo.tw.