Art is the light of life that inspires the best of us. Let’s explore the beauty of this world together.

│Preface│

Birth of a Theatre

Thanks to the designer's vision back then, the design of Tainan Cultural Center did not follow the traditional thinking of local governments at that time. Instead, a city theatre was created with international standards, equipped with world-class sound, light, and stage design and catering to the needs of both traditional and modern performances. It is praised by both domestic and foreign arts troupes. Its sound quality and acoustics are among the best in Taiwan. Even after 35 years in service, it still serves the purpose extremely well.

2019 happens to the 35th anniversary of Tainan Cultural Center. That's why we created this picture book with the center as its scene. The story follows the perspective of a child and is led by a center tour guide. Readers are guided through the Cultural Artifacts Exhibition Hall, the Performance Hall, the Native Theatre of International Hal, the Collection Storeroom, the Rehearsal Room, and the backstage area as various types of Performance arts and visual arts are introduced. In the story, it is the child who discovers that the phoenixes are gone, a fact that no adult seems to notice. It is a metaphor that artistic activities won't be possible without everyone's active participation. I hope in the future, more and more people will visit the center on a regular basis.

As we once again gaze at this cultural venue that has been here for 35 years, it is clear that the center has witnessed the important history of art promotion in Tainan and has benefited many art lovers in Tainan. At the center, visitors can be immersed in its artistic energy: from school plays to shows by international stars. Tainan Cultural Center certainly plays an irreplaceable role in our city. With this book, I'd like to wish the center - happy birthday!

Mayor of Tainan City

Huang Wei-Che

Let’s Get Close to Art

What is art?

Art is when you have breakfast with classical music playing, when you watch a play or visit an exhibition on a holiday, when you write calligraphy at home, or when you read between the lines while immersing yourself in a book.

Art is omnipresent in our daily life. It is safe to say that art adds spice to and nourishes our life. Days without art would be dull and insipid indeed.

As time advances, art can now be interpreted in much diverse ways. The rise of new technology and media certainly broadened our artistic imaginations.

In the past 35 years, Tainan Cultural Center has provided the best-quality service to the public. We hope that in the future, we can continue to sow the seeds of art and see it thrive with all of you, in order to usher in the next generation of prosperous artistic activities.

Director General of Cultural Affairs Bureau, Tainan City Government

Tse-shan Yeh