Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan was given US$5 million Jan. 8 by Chicago-based Alphawood Foundation toward the construction of its arts center in New Taipei City, a record donation to a domestic arts group.
The donation will cover a shortfall in the projected NT$660 million (US$22 million) cost of the troupe’s Danshui Arts Education Center, allowing the facility to be completed on schedule later this year and open in spring 2015.
“Support from Taiwan and the international community is gratefully received,” Cloud Gate founder Lin Hwai-min said on hearing the news. “Cloud Gate will continue its hard work, providing more and better performances and services in return.”
The Alphawood Foundation supports more than 200 projects globally every year as part of its long-standing commitment to such fields as the arts, children’s arts education, architecture and preservation, environment, domestic violence prevention, as well as AIDS prevention and rights and social justice for people living with AIDS.
According to Cloud Gate, Alphawood founder Fred Eychaner is a successful media entrepreneur who owns several TV and radio stations. In November 2013, he donated 20 million pounds to the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London to advance the study of Southeast Asian art.
Eychaner is a member of the board of directors of Washington’s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Joffrey Ballet, Cloud Gate said. Since 1980, he has followed the troupe’s progress and attended many debut performances in Taiwan in recent years.
The entrepreneur also sponsored four performances by Cloud Gate in Chicago of the ballets “Songs of the Wanderers,” “Moon Water,” “Water Stains on the Wall” and “Wild Cursive.” In 2005, Eychaner became a cooperative partner for “Wild Cursive,” and this year is backing a March visit to Chicago by the troupe.
The dance company’s new home will feature rehearsal space, offices, a 400-seat theater and a 2,000-capacity outdoor performance area. (SDH)
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