Multi-Nation Joint Shipbuilding South Island Cultural Festival Opens with Canoe-Building Experience

The South Island Culture and Arts Festival has commenced in Taitung and will run until September 15. Taitung County Magistrate Huang Jian-ting stated that according to anthropologist Bellwood's research, Taitung may be the homeland of the Austronesian language family. Entering its 13th year, this year’s South Island Culture and Arts Festival is specially themed around “Maritime Culture.” Starting August 1, it invited the Republic of Nauru, Solomon Islands, Marshall Islands, as well as local Amis tribes including Malan, Dulan, and Shishan to collaboratively build canoes. Nine boats have been completed and will be available for the public to experience building plank canoes and bamboo rafts from tomorrow (the 11th) through September 16 at the Huoshui Lake in Taitung Forest Park.

Also, today’s (the 10th) events include a performance from 7:00–9:00 PM by the Taiwan Indigenous Dance Troupe at the Taitung Cultural Affairs Office Performance Hall, featuring performances by indigenous groups. Another highlight (the 1st) is an evening gala titled “High！South Island” from 7:00–9:00 PM at the New Eastern Sugar Factory in Dulan Village, Donghe Township, featuring performances by Tahiti, Malaysia, as well as Ilid Kaolo and the Dulan Mountain Theater Troupe.

On September 12 from 7:00–9:30 PM at Jiada Elementary School in Jinfeng Township, there will be a “Dancing South Island” night with performances by Indonesia, New Zealand, Dakanao, Zhang Weilong, and the Phamons Band. On September 13 and 14, the “South Island Soulmates” night will be held at Tiehua Village in Taitung City. September 15 marks the final day of the South Island events, with a closing ceremony titled “Farewell South Island” at Taitung City Seaside Park, featuring performances by international troupes from Tahiti, the Solomon Islands, and New Zealand, plus a finale by domestic artist Wang Hong-en.

Additionally, from now until September 30, the 261 Warehouse at Taitung Railway Art Village will feature an Orchid Island Maritime Culture Art Exhibition, inviting local and Taiwanese contemporary artists such as Chen Jian-nian, Lin Zi-qin, and Xu Ming-zheng. The 261 Warehouse is organized around four themes: “Traditional Craft Zone,” “Modern Craft Zone,” “Painting Creation Zone,” and “Video Zone.” The “Traditional Craft Zone” is designed to help visitors understand the culture of Orchid Island’s maritime indigenous people. The “Modern Craft Zone” explores the transformation of tradition into innovation, showcasing traditional, transitional, and modern elements to inspire cross-cultural appreciation and spark creativity and dialogue. The “Painting Creation Zone” features works by multiple painters using oil painting, traditional Chinese painting, humorous comics, and other styles to offer visitors a direct visual understanding of Orchid Island. The “Video Zone” presents documentaries allowing viewers to appreciate the bravery of Orchid Islanders paddling the Simangavang canoe across the Kuroshio Current to visit Taiwan.

● Read More: Ancestral Spirit Houses and Walking Trees – Taitung Launches In-Depth 1-Day Tribal Tour

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