A window to Taiwan’s craft designs
As one of the 5 cultural and creative centers in the country, the Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park, which is located in Hualien City, is a diverse matchmaking platform of culture, originality, and craft designs by aborigines in eastern Taiwan.
Culture Minister Lung Ying-tai:
I just realized that the center is so close to downtown Hualien. It's part of downtown, which is a big advantage. In addition, the layouts of buildings and houses, such as indoor spaces and distance between buildings, are perfect. I didn't realize that the conditions were this excellent before the visit. If that’s so, we should have a solution that could help improve Hualien significantly.
Hualien’s slow, fulfilling lifestyle
Hualien people enjoy a slow-paced and fulfilling lifestyle. Since the center’s opening, it has successfully provided a home for creative stores, forming a cultural and creative place with unique style.
Nakaw, owner of the aboriginal craft store Wata, applied 2 years ago for her entrepreneurial funds through the Ministry's subsidy program, having since created a small cultural and creative platform to showcase aboriginal crafts and the energy and skills of local craftspeople.
Niuli, a role model community
Niuli Community (牛犁社區) located at East Rift Valley's Shoufeng Township (壽豐鄉) is a result of the 20-year community development work in Taiwan. Community leader Yang Chung-pi (楊鈞弼), who has passion and his own methods, sees community development as an all-encompassing cultural profession. Everyone, including the elderly, women, and school children, is regarded as a treasure of the community.
Culture Minister Lung Ying-tai:
Today, we’ve witnessed their growth. They didn’t succumb to the changing of times and values. From the Culture Ministry’s perspective, this is what I discuss with other cultural officials, that the policies and resources implemented for community development have to fuel sustainable growth.
I was here 13 years ago, and I’ve witnessed their transformation from a scattered group to an organized front that has efficiently utilized local influences. They’ve also remained grounded in their roots. So, I am pleased to see their cultural legacy being passed on, and their success is an encouragement to my Ministry.
Sustainable development is key
The sustainable development of both the cultural and creative sector and the community are on the right track for Hualien. In light of this, the Ministry of Culture will continue its community empowerment policies to provide a rich environment to sustain Taiwan’s cultural vibrancy.