Will the artworks from the Twin Sculptures Art Festival be removed after the event ends? Industry players urgently hope for an extension to boost tourism

▲ Sand sculptures at Mashagou Park. (Photo / Courtesy of the Yunlin-Kaohsiung-Tainan Coastal National Scenic Area Administration, Tourism Bureau)

Travel Center / Taipei Report

The “2013 One Sight, Two Sculptures Art Festival” is set to draw to a close at the end of June. Originally, the salt and sand sculptures were to be dismantled by the management office after the event. However, operators of the three main venues have all expressed to the organizers their hope to retain the artworks and extend the exhibition period. Many visitors have also noted that they only have time to visit during the summer vacation. To address the needs of both operators and tourists, the Yunlin-Kaohsiung-Tainan Coastal National Scenic Area Administration will hold a meeting within this week to decide on the future of the twin sculptures.

Taiwan Salt has revealed that in support of this year’s Twin Sculptures Art Festival, it provided 1,000 tons of salt as material for the salt sculptures. It also prepared nearly 400 ping (approximately 1,322 square meters) of indoor space at the “Qigu Salt Mountain” as an indoor exhibition area to protect the salt sculptures from weather damage. As a result, the salt sculptures on display have been very well maintained. Given that the summer vacation period is the peak travel season, Taiwan Salt believes that continuing to display the salt sculptures will not only promote the salt sculpture event but also boost the local economy around Qigu Salt Mountain.

Operators of the “Mashagou Recreation Area,” represented by the Zijinyuan Company, also pointed out that Mashagou is located in a remote area. Due to weather and sea conditions, it can only operate for about half of the year, making business quite challenging. Fortunately, the sand sculpture events organized by the Yunlin-Kaohsiung-Tainan Administration over the past two years have brought visibility and visitors to the park, helping to offset losses during the off-season and revitalizing Mashagou. Given that overall business dropped by nearly 80% after last year’s sand sculptures were removed, they are strongly advocating for an extension of the twin sculpture exhibition.

Zheng Rongzhu, director of the Yunlin-Kaohsiung-Tainan Administration, stated that several stakeholders have specifically requested the extension of the exhibitions and the overall festival period. However, due to considerations such as the impact of maritime weather on outdoor artworks, the need for maintenance, optimization of supporting facilities, manpower, event planning, and venue leasing, the administration has consulted with relevant departments and aims to reach a decision by June 28. The administration also reminds the public that regardless of the final decision on extension, preferential measures such as the salt sculpture light show, sculpture appreciation bus services, and discounted Mashagou tickets (only NT$50) will remain valid until June 30. Those who haven’t yet visited are encouraged to seize the best opportunity for sightseeing.

% A spectacular view of the sculpture exhibition. (Photo / Courtesy of the Yunlin-Kaohsiung-Tainan Coastal National Scenic Area Administration, Tourism Bureau)