A recently launched online museum is showcasing top Taiwan craft creations in a virtual reality and 3D environment as part of government efforts to heighten global awareness of the country’s rich creative pedigree.
Overseen by state-backed Institute for Information Industry and National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute (NTCRI) under the Ministry of Culture, the museum features an array of eye-catching bamboo, ceramic, fiber, lacquer, metal, stone and wood pieces.
NTCRI Director Hsu Keng-hsiu said new technology is enriching the cultural lives of the people of Taiwan. It’s also ensuring artistic pursuits remain unaffected by the impact of social distancing brought on by coronavirus first reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan late last year, he added.
According to Hsu, NTCRI seeks to broaden the horizons of those in Europe and the U.S. undergoing self-quarantine or avoiding public spaces to minimize the risk of COVID-19 infection and transmission.
Hsieh Chia-heng, a ceramics artist whose works are included in the museum’s lineup, said other highlights include the winning entries from the fourth World’s Jewelry and Metal Design Awards backed by Taiwan Jewelry Design and Metalsmithing Association. Themed Vibrant and Radiant, the design competition centered on gem stones and comprised 65 entries from countries like Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and the U.S.
III, based in Taipei City, is tasked with boosting the competitiveness of the information and communication technology industry and fostering the digital economy through such measures as promoting pioneering research, training industry talents and building the country’s ICT infrastructure.
NTCRI, headquartered in central Taiwan’s Nantou County, is dedicated to promoting craft industry development and R&D, as well as preserving traditional skills while supporting products with distinctive homegrown characteristics. It also boasts branches in Miaoli County, northern Taiwan; New Taipei City and Taipei. (TYT-E)
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