The Yilan International Children's Folklore and Folkgame Festival kicks off next month; the "Seed Ship" made from driftwood from Typhoon Morakot to be unveiled

Reported by Chen Tzu-yin / Taipei

The annual Yilan International Children's Folklore and Folkgame Festival is set to open on July 5. Organizers first unveiled the artwork "Seed Ship," made from driftwood from the 88 Flood in Taitung. Standing 9 meters tall, 9 meters wide, and weighing 27 tons, the Seed Ship officially set sail on the 4th as artists Lin Shun-long and Cultural Affairs Bureau Director Lin Chiu-fang struck a ceremonial gong.

Last summer, artist Lin Shun-long was invited to exhibit at the Setouchi Triennale in Japan. As part of his art project "Crossing Borders 'Sea'," he used the ocean-drifting plant "Pandanus tectorius" as the prototype for the "Seed Ship," earning recognition as a bright light of Taiwanese art. This year, the seed has found its new home at Yilan’s Dongshan River Water Park, where it will embark on its journey from July 5 to August 24 during the festival.

The Yilan County Cultural Affairs Bureau stated that during the festival, the Art Square will be divided into three main zones: In the "Magic Seed Ship" area, daily performances by children’s theater troupes and street artists will be held; the "Furry Monster Bounce Zone" features a magical rainbow, trampoline, mini monster area, and slide; the second floor of the Boat Shed has been designated as the "Play Art Interactive Workshop," inviting domestic and international artists, craftsmen, and local community groups to take part.


▲ Yilan County Cultural Affairs Bureau Director Lin Chiu-fang (left) and artist Lin Shun-long (right) strike the gong to symbolize the official launch of the Seed Ship. (Photo / Provided by Yilan County Cultural Affairs Bureau)