Department of Cultural Affairs

By Gobby Wang
Staff Writer

The Bureau of Cultural Affairs held a recognition award ceremony for Lee Hsien-wen, the publisher of Lionart Magazine, on December 16 honoring the magazine for its work in collaboration with Taipei MRT to produce a large-sized wall of public art located at Exit 2 of MRT Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall Station. The award acknowledged the outstanding achievement of Lionart and its significance in the development of art in Taiwan, honoring Lionart for its great contribution to art on the island.  

Taipei City Mayor Hau Lung-bin was present for the ceremony and awarded the recognition accolade for Lionart in appreciation of its contributions.

"Lionart has worked hard for the visual arts in Taiwan for forty years. In addition, Lionart Magazine was the first modern art journal in Taiwan, pioneering the development art when there was little space for artists," said Mayor Hau. "It's good to see that we can have a place for art education for children in Taipei. We will try our best to provide a platform for artists in Taipei."

"Lionart is located on alley 216, one of the most productive and competitive areas in Taipei. The publishing industry is hard to manage, but we have struggled and we have never given up. We are always positive towards any challenges. I would like to ensure that all employees in Lionart know that we are a company which has specific goals," said Lee.

The recognition award ceremony also featured a number of honored guests including historic architecture expert Lee Chien-lang, senior artistic education advisor for children Cheng Ming-chin, and famous painter Hsi Sung, who were all on hand to assist with the grand occasion.  
 
Teachers from Lionart led nearly a hundred students in making drawings on alley 216 which was blocked off by the Taipei City Government. They used pastels to draw colorful images on the street for people in the neighborhood and students to enjoy.

After the ceremony, officials from the Bureau of Cultural Affairs led the gathering to view the art works posted on the wall at Exit 2 of MRT Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall Station.