Stroll through the Beitou art district – Guandu area, 2011 Guandu Arts Festival

Written and reported by Chi Bing-hui

Guandu is a habitat for migratory birds. In addition to its unique natural environment, it is also brimming with artistic charm. Since 1993, the National Taiwan University of Arts has held a month-long international arts festival every October. This year marks the 29th edition of the “Guandu Arts Festival,” featuring exciting cross-genre, cross-cultural, and interdisciplinary performances. Over 50 domestic and international renowned drama, dance, music, and technology art groups and individuals are participating, with more than 100 ticketed and free performances, filling the month of October in Guandu with an artistic atmosphere.

Drama programs include performances by the Chiayi Yuan Theater Troupe from Taiwan, the Korean physical theater company NOTTLE THEATRE COMPANY, and the mainland stage play “Married But Available”; music programs feature the National Taiwan University of Arts School of Music, the Israeli piano performance concert “Stunning Israel,” the French De Si De La troupe, Xinxin Nanguan Music Workshop, alumni teams, and the Traditional Music Department; dance programs include “Mei Wu Ji,” India’s “Classical Odissi Dance,” the Hong Kong Moving Art Dance Company, and the Dance Ecosystem Creative Team; the final category, technology art, includes 1024Architecture, Finland’s new circus WHS, and the National Taiwan University of Arts Art Science Center. The Guandu Museum of Art presents the “Asian Edition/Map Exhibition” and the “3rd Guandu Film Festival.” The public is welcome to attend.

In addition to performance events, the arts festival has planned a fun “WALK Around Guandu-Art District” initiative, guiding the public to explore the streets and alleys of Guandu using a neighborhood map. By collecting stamps before October 30, participants can redeem great prizes such as a Super Fan Pack, an annual pass to Guandu Nature Park, and Guandu rice for free. Other activities can be found on the official website.

2011 Guandu Arts Festival: kdarts.tnua.edu.tw/festival/home.html