Taoyuan, Taiwan – The 2023 HAKKA EXPO, jointly organized by the Hakka Affairs Council and Taoyuan City Government, has been a resounding success since its grand opening on August 11, 2023. Among the two main exhibition halls, the “World Pavilion” has garnered international recognition by winning the prestigious “MUSE Design Awards” in the category of “Interior Design / Exhibits, Pavilions & Exhibitions,” presented by the International Awards Associate (IAA) in the United States. This achievement puts Taoyuan and the Hakka culture on the global map.
Embracing the Concept of “Tien Gong Ngid” (Tomorrow) through Light Imagery to Present Various Aspects of Global Hakka in Taoyuan
As the city with the largest Hakka population in Taiwan, the exhibition team centered the World Pavilion on the concept of the “Grand Theater of Light,” starting from the idea of “Tien Gong Ngid” (Tomorrow). The pavilion immerses visitors in an atmospheric experience featuring the subtle illumination of celestial skies and a theatrical ambiance. Telling the culture and life stories of Hakka people around the world. The narrative unfolds with a 360-degree spherical projection and displays elements of theater-style lighting design, as well as the large-scale circular bamboo art installations. This interplay of light and shadow highlights the diversity of the global Hakka community while showcasing Taoyuan’s technological prowess as a smart city.
Two Years of Extensive Research and Collaboration to Transform Hakka Heritage into a Technological Art Spectacle
Acknowledging the richness of Hakka cultural heritage, Taoyuan City Government assembled a team of around ten experts and scholars in the field of Hakka culture. Over the course of two years, they conducted extensive cultural research and collaborated on the exhibition’s content, involving nearly 30 expert advisory meetings. The result is a comprehensive portrayal of Hakka heritage, encompassing stories from eight major regions and twenty countries, tracing the Hakka journey from their ancestral homeland to global contributions. Additionally, meticulous attention was paid to the visitor experience, with discussions between the city government and the exhibition team addressing curatorial methods, exhibition flow, accessibility services, and emergency response, ensuring that visitors can both immerse themselves in an educational experience and explore the captivating allure of Hakka culture.
International Collaborations Elevate the Exhibition’s Visual Appeal To Create A World-Class Exhibition, Recognized by Muse Design Award in the United Sates.
Taoyuan City Government collaborated with prominent figures in Taiwan’s art and design scene, including spatial designer Professor Chu Chih-Kang, environmental artist Professor Li Hsi-Chih, and AI-generated art specialist Professor Wang Hsin-Jen. This collaboration resulted in a diverse fusion of technology and art throughout the exhibition space. Furthermore, Japanese artist Osamu Noyoro was invited to craft the main visual concept