Department of Cultural Affairs

In 1921, influenced by the international trend of national self-determination, Taiwanese intellectuals set up the Taiwanese Cultural Association to advocate for Taiwanese autonomy and promote new knowledge and culture, which ignited the “Taiwan New Cultural Movement.”

In 2018, the Taipei City Department of Cultural Affairs set up the Taiwan New Cultural Movement Memorial Museum, located in the former North Taipei Police Station (in the Japanese colonial period), in tribute to the Taiwan New Cultural Movement. To commemorate the core values of pursuing new knowledge and unearthing one’s culture within the history of the New Cultural Movement, October was designated “New Cultural Movement Month” (新文化運動月).

The Public Order and Police Act Incident

The theme for the 2023 New Cultural Movement Month is the 1923 “Police Incident” (治警事件), during which Taiwanese individuals were arrested for challenging the sensitivities of the Governor-General’s office (總督府) as they pursued political participation.

From the island-wide arrest of 99 people to the guilty verdicts of 13, the process spanned two years and involved over 10 courtroom battles. During the trials, courtroom debates not only provided a platform for intellectuals to express their ideas but also rallied support for the petition to establish a Taiwanese parliament (臺灣議會). Those imprisoned, including Wei-shui Chiang (蔣渭水), Pei-huo Tsai (蔡培火), and five others, were regarded as heroes and continued to play pivotal roles in the movement.

Narrating Historical Facts, Reflecting on the Contemporary

During the 2023 New Cultural Movement Month, the first event to kick off is the Lion-Hunting and Lion-Roaring—The Public Order and Police Act Incident Centennial Commemoration Exhibition (獅子狩與獅子吼-治警事件百年紀念展), which begins on October 1. The exhibition uses AI image-generation technology to simulate historical figures and scenes, allowing the audience to investigate the event like rookie journalists. 

On October 7 and 14, the 2023 Cultural Inquiry Forum (2023 文化問．診論壇) will explore the theme “The Right to Bargain: Examining the Colonial System through the Public Order and Police Act Incident and the Taiwan Minpao” (打折的權利：從治警事件、臺灣民報看殖民體制). This two-day event will feature themed lectures and discussions that delve into the rights and status of the Taiwanese people under the colonial system.

Vintage Performances, Creative Convergence

Following the intellectual exhibitions and forums, a series of creative performances will take place. October 14 will see the Island Music Concert Market (本島音樂會市集), with the Harbor Town Music Concert (港町音樂會) on October 21, and the Creative Arts Festival (創作藝術節) from October 28 to 29. Visitors can explore the Xining N. Rd. district, filled with historical echoes, where numerous singers will perform Taiwanese folk songs.

The Police Incident Centennial Commemorative Creative Arts Festival (治警事件百年紀念創作藝術節) will feature rotating line-up, with performances by Tigiloubeen (鐵支路邊創作體), Haox Hsiao Troupe (嚎哮排演), and Chien Liu Production (千流製作) in different spaces in Dadaocheng (大稻埕). Slashie With You Theatre and their partner Nanako (奈奈子) will also join in for a street theater adventure.

Cultured Autumn Outing: A Blend of Past and Present

Themed around the Encounter with 1920 (相遇1920), this experience encompasses various themes such as traditional music appreciation, Taisho era-style transformations, swing dance, and movable-type (活字印刷). These themes resonate with both the material and spiritual aspects of the 1920s. Fusing culture and creativity, the Taiwan New Cultural Movement Memorial Museum is collaborating with local businesses such as Li Ting Xiang (李亭香), Fú Dàu Pastry Studio (芙稻菓室), Lau Guei Fang (老桂坊), and Cindy’s Hand Made (馨手作) to offer limited-edition delectable products. You can also participate in a stamp collection activity to enhance your Dadaocheng (大稻埕) outing!

While Dadaocheng had already become a commercial and cultural hub by the time of the Japanese colonial period, understanding how it became a center for political and social movements is essential. Why did intellectuals strive for equal political participation, and what led to the Police Incident? 

Take part in the exciting events organized by the Taiwan New Cultural Movement Memorial Museum to revisit The Police Incident and grasp the ideals, spirit, and aspirations of the people of Taiwan a century ago during the New Cultural Movement.

2023 New Cultural Movement Month

Dates | Sunday, October 1– Tuesday, October 31 

Locations: Taiwan New Cultural Movement Memorial Museum, Dadaocheng Square (大稻埕永樂廣場), and various event venues