"Isle to Isle" ― a layered series of programs highlighting the very best of Taiwan’s art scene, talent, knowledge, and arts administration ― will kick off in Malaysia on Aug. 12 as part of the 2018 George Town Festival.
"Taiwan is a leading example within the region where the government and private sectors are working together to create a successful platform for the creative industry," stated Joe Sidek, director of George Town Festival.
"There is much to learn from the Taiwanese art and culturally creative industries," he added. "We want to bring forth a different approach to art and design to Penang."
From Aug. 12 to 18 in George Town, "Isle to Isle: Spotlight Taiwan Week" will showcase the best of Taiwan's art and design to promote discourse on the featured works and the use of creative spaces to offer people-centric experiences.
The program includes a concert by the Hsinchu City Youth Chinese Orchestra; "Isle of Dreams," a theater play featuring traditional Taiwanese music, poetry, puppetry, and ritualistic dance by La Cie MaxMind; and "Second Body," a high-tech performance featuring video mapping, 360º full-body projection, and electronic music by Anarchy Dance Theatre.
Taipei's Songshan Cultural and Creative Park will also organize a bazaar offering Taiwanese creative products, hold forums with Taiwanese cultural professionals, and stage "Kaxabu! A language no longer spoken?" ― a contemporary circus performance created in tribute to the Kaxabu people, an indigenous group from Taiwan.
The program will also offer screenings of such films as "Blue Gate Crossing," "The Best of Times," "The Fourth Portrait," and "Ah Chung" from the Taiwan Cinema Toolkit collection.
"Isle to Isle" is made possible with support from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia, Taipei City Government’s Department of Cultural Affairs, Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, Quanta Arts Foundation, and Penang-based Mano Plus.
The George Town Festival is a month-long celebration of culture, heritage, art, and community. The festival, which is now in its 9th year, continues to honor George Town's spot on the world map as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.