The NT$120 million (US$3.6 million) undertaking involves refurbishing 30 percent of the total 17,943-square-meter floor space by the end of this year, 30 percent by year-end 2017 and the rest by the start of 2019. It is in addition to NT$500 million spent on upgrading the facility since 2008.
Situated by Chiayi Train Station, the 3.9-hectare park comprises 21 buildings and was set up in 2003. It is the site of the former Chiayi Brewery, which operated from 1916 to 1999 until relocation.
MOC Deputy Minister Tsai Ping-kun said the project breathes new life into the largest of the five cultural and creative parks overseen by the ministry, adding that it also helps establish a national hub for the innovation of traditional arts.
“The park will feature signature local arts like koji pottery and stone and wood sculptures, while working in concert with nearby cultural and creative facilities such as Chiayi County-based National Palace Museum Southern Branch and Yunlin Hand Puppet Museum.”
According to the MOC, the initiative is to be managed by Hsinchu City-headquartered Hsinchia Cultural and Creative Corp. under a 15-year agreement.
Hsinchia Chairman Jonathan Yeh said once renovated, the park will serve as a platform for local artists to showcase their unbridled creativity. “We intend to support these talents by setting up concept stores and studios, while encouraging intergenerational contributions from all sections of the community.”
Tsai said such public-private sector collaboration is key to ensuring the continued success of the Chiayi cultural and creative park, as well as the other four in Hualien, Taichung, Tainan and Taipei.
“By capitalizing on the project’s momentum, we anticipate attracting more talents from around the world and laying the foundations for further enrichment of the national cultural landscape.” (YCH-JSM)
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