Yilan Museum of Art commenced trial operations Nov. 16 in northeastern Taiwan, a move set to greatly boost the local cultural profile and tourism industry.
“As the first facility of its kind in the area, the museum will focus on promoting local artists and their creations,” Yilan County Magistrate Lin Tsung-hsien said. “It will also help introduce regional cultural assets to a larger audience nationwide.”
According to Yilan County Government’s Cultural Affairs Bureau, YMA was converted from a county-designated historic building donated by Bank of Taiwan in 2012.
Reconstructed in 1949, the structure was BOT’s Yilan branch after the original building was destroyed during World War II. It played a key role in driving the local economy for the past 10 decades.
Covering 2,000-plus square meters, the NT$68 million (US$2.21 million) facility is designed by Fieldoffice Architects, a Yilan County-based firm.
As the building is of great historic value, the designers have maintained most of its features, including a wooden cafeteria serving as an art studio. In addition, the bank vault doors now function as the entrance to the main exhibition hall.
“The new museum is sure to add to the appeal of an emerging cultural corridor of Yilan City, which encompasses the area surrounding Taiwan Railway Administration’s Yilan Station,” a bureau official said.
Some of the attractions include the Luna Plaza, the largest shopping mall in the county, and a public space dedicated to themes from the works of picture book artist Jimmy Liao, who is a Yilan native.
As part of celebrations marking YMA’s opening, an exhibition is being staged free of charge until Feb. 23, 2015, showcasing the artworks of first prize winners from the annual Yilan Art Exhibition. (SFC-JSM)
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