A delegation comprising over a hundred Taiwan-based museum professionals and organized by the Taipei-based Chinese Association of Museums (CAM) will join the 2019 General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) in Kyoto, Japan and hold a series of exhibitions, performances, and academic presentations from Sept. 1 through 7.
As the theme of the general conference is "Museum as Cultural Hubs: The Future of Tradition," the Taiwan Pavilion at ICOM Kyoto 2019 will present two themed exhibitions spotlighting the wide spectrum of social roles played by museums in Taiwan and presenting the spirit of Taiwan's diverse natural environment and cultural vitality.
Curated by the National Taiwan Museum, "Taiwan: A Living Museum" has combined proposals and practical results from Taiwanese museums on four major contemporary issues — environmental sustainability, human rights and justice, social inclusion and cultural equality, and civic participation. This exhibition of Taiwanese knowledge and heritage echoes the changes currently taking place around the world while reflecting the significance of the museum as a social institution at a time when Taiwan's society is moving towards ever-more multicultural and inclusive goals.
The second exhibition, "Reinterpreting Tradition," has employed digital technology to present ancient artifacts in a new light and showcase the achievements attained by the Taipei-based National Palace Museum in recent years. By opening up an interdisciplinary dialogue between art and contemporary disciplines, the resulting innovative museum practices are built upon a foundation that is relevant to both the present and the future.
Using mountain and rainbow imagery from a painting by veteran Taiwanese artist Lin Hsin-yueh (林惺嶽), the principal visual design of "Taiwan: A Living Museum" will reflect Taiwan's inclusive and diverse nature. Whereas "Reinterpreting Tradition" takes inspiration from a Qing-era curio box, in which augmented- and virtual-reality technology will lead visitors on an exploratory adventure through hidden chests and drawers.
The Taiwan Pavilion will located at Booth N37, New Hall. More information is available at www.taiwanalivingmuseum.com.