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The First Anniversary of Weiwuying Marks 3.8 Million Visits and 300 Thousand Ticket Purchases
National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Weiwuying) is one year old! Ever since its opening, Weiwuying has presented 270 programs and 409 performances, with visiting numbers reaching 3.8 million. It is estimated that by the end of the year, ticket purchases will exceed 300 thousand.
At today's Weiwuying Anniversary Achievement Announcement, Ju Tzong-ching, chairman of the National Performing Arts Center, stated that albeit being a numerical figure, “300 thousand” is a number with significant meaning; we were handed this venue from the government, and failure was not an option. The value of Weiwuying depends on its ability to encourage more creativity, produce more quality programs, the gathering of talents, and attracting more people into the theaters. Weiwuying has achieved this and will continue to thrive towards this goal, cultivating professional artists in Southern Taiwan and giving birth to more outstanding shows.
Hsiao Tsung-huang, Deputy Minister of Culture, also arrived at the occasion to wish a happy first birthday to Weiwuying. Hsiao stated that Weiwuying was more than a large venue, but a source of change for the ecology of performing arts. Many people travel from Northern Taiwan to Kaohsiung for the performances of Weiwuying, luggage in their hands, staying the night in Kaohsiung. Hsiao expressed the expectation that Weiwuying will become a driving force for culture and invigorate the cultural development of Southern Taiwan.
Kaohsiung mayor Han Kuo-yu also stated in today's press conference: “We give thanks to Weiwuying for presenting various art performances to Kaohsiung during the past year, enriching and broadening the vision of locals. Located within a city with potential, Kaohsiung City Government will be collaborating with Weiwuying to allow residents of Southern Taiwan to enjoy more quality performances.”
Weiwuying artistic director Chien Wen-pin stated: “For the following year, Weiwuying will operate according to four primary goals. First, we will provide more opportunities for artists to interact with the people. Second, we will be working with the Kaohsiung City Government to organize large international events. Third, we will be fully invested in promoting art experiential education projects, so that as the art institution that receives the most funding from the government, Weiwuying will bring maximum results. Fourth, we will strengthen collaborations with venues in Northern and Central Taiwan, as well as with national performance groups.