衛武營國家藝術文化中心 National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Weiwuying)

Arts Talk｜Lecture sidenotes for October

October｜Let's Party!

Text by Stella TSAI

Art as the Essence of Life: A Communal Weiwuying

The October Art Talk diverged from the norm, swapping out artist monologues for a participatory celebration of Weiwuying's five-year milestone. Facilitators KENG Yi-wei and TSENG Ching-wen, from the Wood With Branches Theater Studio, orchestrated a dialogue-centric event that erased conventional barriers between the arts venue and its patrons. It was a chance to reflect on whether Weiwuying has made art a tangible part of everyday life during its five-year journey.

First Half: Weiwuying Through Our Eyes

Kicking off with an inclusive game, the session brought together the public and those with visual and auditory disabilities, promoting unity through shared activities. Participants adopted fruit names, making it easier to engage and remember one another. Those with hearing challenges demonstrated the signs for different fruits and imparted these gestures to other participants. The exercise, enhanced by sign language, led to a collaborative dance act that paved the way for lively discussion.

After the icebreaker, attendees were asked to share their first impressions of Weiwuying, eliciting memories and illustrating the venue's transformation from a military base to a community staple for leisure and culture. Today, Weiwuying stands as a prime locale for residents to take walks and exercise. Attracting frequent visitors with an array of events, leading them to attend performances and activities, and, gradually, integrating Weiwuying into their lives.

For aficionados of culture and arts, Weiwuying's emergence represents not just urban advancement but also an easy access to the arts. The venue has transitioned from being perceived as an “institution” to “a daily delight for all.” Initiatives like “Weiwuying Showtime” have encouraged many to explore the venue, immersing themselves in the allure of live performances.

While the accolades were numerous, feedback was also solicited, with calls for better navigation aids within the complex, improved traffic and parking guidance, more comfortable seating in the lecture halls, especially for the elderly, emphasizing a desire for a more user-friendly environment. Similarly, some shared about the limited availability of activities tailored for those with disabilities and hoped for a more inclusive programming in the future.

Second Half: From Worst to Best

In the session's latter half, groups tackled eight topics about Weiwuying, taking to the stage to share collective viewpoints. Discussions revealed a deep connection with the venue, highlighting it as a central meeting point. For example, when people arrange for meet-ups, many choose venue entrances, while those less familiar will often choose the Metro exit 6. In terms of Weiwuying's gender identity, it was evocatively described as a harmonious and inclusive "hermaphrodite": imposing from a distance, yet gentle at close quarters, catering to everyone's needs. Once a military camp with arguably challenging Feng Shui, Weiwuying has metamorphosed into a lively hub, emerging as the region's Feng Shui pinnacle.

The expansive Weiwuying serves as a cherished locale for leisure exercise. A walk along Sanduo Road toward Weiwuying, visitors can immerse themselves in the venue's futuristic ambiance. Here, they can enjoy performances, take pictures, and later meander through the Weiwuying Metropolitan Park. A serene stroll by the banyan trees leading to the lake and circling back through Kuotai Road. A wide-ranging and calorie-shedding journey as such, established Weiwuying as a community haven.

Regular patrons were aplenty among the participants. Several attend one to three shows per month. Some shared their favorite spots for acoustics and viewing. A participant who recently attended the Hungarian Chamber Orchestra concert, remarked that "2nd Floor, Door 7, Row A1" affords an unimpeded vantage of the artists' prowess and passion, ensuring an unparalleled auditory delight. Another coveted seat, "3rd Floor, Door 9, Row C2", positioned above the choir, envelops attendees in uplifting melodies, especially resonant during the Rotterdam Symphony Orchestra's rendition. Merely half a decade after its inauguration, dedicated patrons have discerned their cherished spots, cultivating benchmarks for optimal sonic indulgence. These experiences have transformed into rejuvenating spiritual escapades.

Attendees were asked to share suggestions for Weiwuying's refinements. Some mentioned that they would like to get “local snacks” at Weiwuying, suggestions spanned Taiwanese favorites: sausages, sweet potato balls, braised delights, barbecue, red bean pastries, and crepes. For most, these economical treats are ideal sustenance pre-performance, and a great way conclude a day at Weiwuying.

Toward the end of the talk, shared personal items linked to their experiences at the center, showcasing the diverse ways in which Weiwuying touches lives. A visually impaired participant presented a Braille program from the first show they ever attended, which was a rarity in the south and relishing the inclusivity it symbolized. Another aficionado, an ardent feedback gift collector, displayed an SKB pencil from "Bolero in Kaohsiung”, expressing aspirations for exclusive merchandise events.

Artistic Director CHIEN Wen-pin graced the talk, showcasing a rice-made dragon egg, a memento from Weiwuying’s inaugural ceremony. This emblematic relic, bestowed upon him post-ceremony, resides on his workspace. Artistic Director CHIEN shared his vision, equating the growth of Weiwuying to the careful nurturing of a dragon egg— a symbol of the collective effort and patience required in cultivating an arts community. He conveyed his heartfelt appreciation on Weiwuying's behalf for the unwavering support over five years. Pledging to continually echo communal sentiments, address imperfections, amplify its successes, and make Weiwuying an integral part of its community's life.