Poetry remains one of the lush cornerstones of literature. To this end, the Ministry of Culture has constructed a fortress to bring forth a renaissance of Taiwanese poetry by gathering heavyweight poets and showcasing the glory and beauty of poetry to the Chinese-speaking community.
Culture Minister Lung Ying-tai:
I’ve been thinking about how we could use this venue to bring the country's poetic prosperity back. I then thought of an entrepreneur to whom I’ve compared the current situation to as having a layer cake, in the sense that it needs one more layer before it can be used to rebuild the poetic arts. Thus, Scott Ouyoung appeared and offered to sponsor the program with NT$50 million over a course of 3 years.
Scott Ouyoung, Founder of the Globe Union Industrial Corp.:
I'm an admirer, a pupil, as well as a beneficiary of poetry. Why do I benefit from poetry? I have benefited from many poetic works. I often travel for work and I always carry a tome in my suitcase with me. You can feel the meaning of poetry at any time once you’ve calmed yourself down.
Enhancing Taiwan’s cultural literacy
The Qidong Poetry Salon once was the residency of Wang Shu-ming, Commander-In-Chief of the R.O.C. Air Force. The Ministry has revitalized the historic structure and is inviting poets to lead a series of events to enhance the nation's ability to appreciate poetry.
Poet Xiang Yang:
I hope this venue will represent a new beginning for poetry in Taiwan. I have many high expectations for this project; I am looking forward to seeing this finally happen.
In celebration of the opening of the Qidong Poetry Salon, the National Museum of Taiwan Literature has organized a poetry-themed exhibition by offering a glimpse of rare manuscripts from renowned Taiwanese poets such Cheng Chou-yu and Wang Chang-xiong. Visit the Qidong Salon to experience the true beauty of poetry.