With the goal of inspiring creativity and innovation, Tainan Cultural and Creative Park in the southern Taiwan city is sparing no effort to nurture creative businesses and talent by providing a wide range of facilities and services.
The park is run by Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology in Tainan. To set itself apart from other cultural and creative parks, TCCP specializes in digital content and pop music.
Sherry Feng, the park’s assistant manager, said the major advantage in having TCCP administered by STUST is that the park can draw on the institution’s ample resources, with staff and students helping plan and promote activities at the park. In particular, the university’s College of Digital Design provides strong support by producing print and digital marketing materials such as brochures, posters and social media graphics.
“One of TCCP’s most important briefs is to support commercial development for musical talent,” Feng said. “We provide well-equipped venues for students, individuals and groups to practice and rehearse.”
STUST students majoring in pop music can take an internship at the park and learn how to design lighting, sound, video and staging for concerts. They then develop live performance experience through events at Heron Live House, which is outfitted with high-end audio and video equipment.
TCCP also draws young professionals like Seven Huang, who opened a studio in the park in 2018. He started his career in animation and, through connections made at TCCP, has since expanded his professional portfolio to filmmaking and music videos.
When the popular hip-hop artist Tseng Kuan-jung, better known by the stage name Dwagie, was looking for a director for his next music video, Feng recommended he talk to Huang. To date, Huang has directed five videos for the rapper, and with this recognition from Dwagie under his belt, he now has a footing in the industry.
Time Door also produces animation, augmented reality and virtual reality content for TCCP activities and exhibitions while creating educational and promotional films for both public and private entities. Among the company’s most popular undertakings have been immersive experience and projection mapping projects that were commissioned by the park itself and helped bring in yet more clients.
Projection mapping workshops held by Time Door appeal to visitors of all ages. (Courtesy of Time Door studio)
Located as it is in a city with a rich history dating back nearly 400 years, TCCP is not content to nostalgically focus on yesterday. Instead, the park guides visitors and visitors alike to look to the future while maintaining a respectful connection to the past.
“Creative businesses and human resources leverage the city’s heritage to their advantage in the marketplace,” Feng said. “We help them grow and prosper through our services and facilities, benefiting both the economy and creative assets of the city as a whole.” (E) (By Kelly Her)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw
(This article is adapted from “Southern Charm” in the March/April 2023 issue of Taiwan Review. The Taiwan Review archives dating to 1951 are available online.)