To promote Taiwan's emerging artists and help local cultural and creative industries make inroads into other Asian markets, the first batch of artworks purchased under the Art Bank initiative are now on display at the country's four major international airports.
A total of 346 pieces of artworks, including paintings, photographs, sculptures, installation art and new media, were purchased by the Ministry of Culture from 195 artists, of which 154 pieces by 118 artists can be viewed at Taipei Songshan Airport, Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, Taichung Airport and Kaohsiung International Airport.
Culture Minister Lung Ying-tai expressed her gratitude for the support from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) when she and MOTC Minister Yeh Kuang-shih jointly inaugurated the airport exhibition series on Oct. 22.
"I believe that aesthetic enlightenment through such public spaces could not only enhance people's aesthetic literacy, but also boost the development of the visual arts industry in Taiwan,” Lung said.
"Transportation serves not only as public service, it also links to a better life,” said Yeh, adding that the artworks on display at the nation's four major airports have immediately enhanced the aesthetic quality of the public spaces, and the MOTC is willing to utilize more stations and airports as a platforms for foreign visitors to experience the creativity of Taiwanese artists.
Lung also called on local businesses to participate in the program by renting artworks for display at their headquarters and to purchase artworks to enrich the collection of the Art Bank.
In addition, the Ministry of Culture is currently discussing potential methods for collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Presidential Office, Lung said.
The Ministry launched the Art Bank in January 2013 to purchase artworks from Taiwanese artists, especially young artists, with the objective to sell or loan the artworks to corporations, government agencies and the public in order to give the artists more exposure.
To learn more about the artworks purchased under the Art Bank initiative, please visit http://artbank.ntmofa.gov.tw.
Taiwanese artworks now adorn the walls of the Taoyuan International Airport's Terminal One hallway.
Culture Minister Lung Ying-tai (right) and Transportation Minister Yeh Kuang-shih jointly inaugurated the airport exhibition series on Oct. 22.
154 art pieces by 118 artists can now be viewed at Taipei Songshan Airport, Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, Taichung Airport and Kaohsiung International Airport.