Department of Cultural Affairs

By Evelyn Lin

"Hanging Out in Beitou," an exhibition organized by Department of Cultural Affairs, Taipei City Government, is ready to impress visitors again with various public art works scattered in the area of the Beitou Hot Spring Museum beginning Moon Festival weekend.

These public arts in the public domain emphasize interaction with visitors – for example, the "Dream Map of the Community," and "Wandering in Beitou" with stylish motorcycles, offering visitors a more fun experience in Beitou area.

The Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs, Liou Wei-gong, said that "the real treasure in Beitou is not the hot springs, but rather the Beitou lifestyle." "The rebuilding of Beitou not only relies on house remodeling or repairing the look of any structures; the efficient way to attract people is to popularize Beitou through the cultural approach," he added.

Thus the activity "Hanging out in Beitou" combines local features and interaction with visitors to reveal the culture of Beitou. "Dream Map of the Community" was designed by artist Lin Shun-long, who sets a very big chalk board outside the XinBeitou MRT station and allows visitors to draw their dream Beitou map on it uwing colorful chalk. What's more, "Wandering in Beitou" an activity designed by artist Luo Jai-hui, links up with a special local industry in Beitou – delivery by motorcycle. Luo designed several stylish helmets, all featuring interesting creations, for delivery riders; thus on September 29-30 and November 10-11, delivery riders wearing interesting helmets will ride leisurely around the streets and alleys of Beitou.

In addition, the Department of Cultural Affairs has also invited several overseas artists from France and Japan to participate in "Hanging out in Beitou." Liou Wei-gong anticipates that "Hanging out in Beitou" will not be just a short term activity: "We should popularize the culture in Beitou, and the idea of art activity will become permanent," he says.

"Hanging Out in Beitou" runs from August 4 to November 25. Free Admission.
Beitou Hot Spring Museum: No.2, Zhongshan Rd., Taipei