History
2005
The Taiwanese Canadian Association of Toronto (TCAT) was looking at ways to engage the community and introduce Taiwanese culture to Canadians. Working alongside Harbourfront Centre and the Asian-Canadian Special Events Association (ACSEA), The Taiwanese Cultural Festival was brought to the shores of Lake Ontario utilizing the multi-purpose facilities at the Harbourfront Centre to present visual arts, performances, films, literature, culinary, and much more. Local communities and sponsors stepped up to make the first Taiwanese Cultural Festival in Toronto a great success.
2006
TCAT built on the success of last year’s debut and co-produced the 2006 edition of the Taiwanese Cultural Festival under the theme “Ho-Hai-Yan Taiwan” with Harbourfront Centre. Local and international artists were brought together to celebrate culture and arts, engaging with over 45,000 people over the weekend.
2007
Innovation is critical for events depending on continuing success. Taiwanese Cultural Festival elevated the quality of the festival programming by incorporating live concerts. One of which, Mayday, the premier Rock band in Taiwan, made their Canadian debut at the festival. Another example of innovation was the use of the “Noodles of the World” concept to expand the festival to include various communities in Canada. Over 4,000 bowls of Championship Noodles were served during the three-day festival in Vancouver. Taiwanese Cultural Festival is growing to be one of the largest Mandarin/English cultural events in Canada.
2008
Inspired by the multi-cultural aspects of Canada, the programming of 2008 TELUS TaiwanFest: World in an Island explored Taiwan’s ever-evolving identity through its many influences in history, such as the Dutch, Japanese, Canadian and Aboriginal, and how these influences have contributed to the development of the island. The festival showcased multifaceted and vibrant culture with the debut of King of Rock Wu Bai from Taiwan. Cultural exchanges were made between the legendary artists in water-Colours of Doris McCarthy (Canada) and K.J. Shen (Taiwan).
2009
“A New Journey” was the theme for 2009 TELUS TAIWANfest. In its 5th year co-produced with the Harbourfront Centre, TCAT worked closely with ACSEA to work on a new vision that expanded the artistic mandate, engaged diverse communities and committed to the environment for the festival’s present and the future. As one of the largest English/Mandarin bilingual festivals in Canada TELUS TAIWANfest prided itself on three initiatives for 2009, demonstrating leadership for festivals in the area of Social Responsibilities.
2010
In 2010, the world had their eyes on Canada; when TAIWANfest was called to take over the Winter Cultural Olympiad, Taiwanese-Canadians were ecstatic. This is not a battle for the dignity of the city, province or nationality, but the opportunity to “speak to the world” has truly touched us; embracing the “great dream” will never stop, and the new laughter and warmth of the world will not be forgotten. The Vancouver Winter Cultural Olympiad and the 2010 TAIWANfest may bring a new chapter. “The most beautiful dreams” are still the oldest key to success.
2011
As an immigrant nation, Canada prides itself on values of diversity and benefits from our country’s cultural harmony. Taiwan, an island nation, has its share of stereotypes due to the complexity of its history. A hot spot of energy and connectivity, the influxes of various cultures have not only impacted the formation of the new culture, but have also become the foundation of new expressions in arts. The conflicts and chaos between preserving and abandoning the traditions have given the innovative minds from Taiwan nutrients to excel and motivations to succeed. It’s time for the world to see Taiwan with an open mind – a cultural phenomenon – Taiwan Rising.
2012 - LANTERN AQUARIUM
2012
Culture is the acronym for the lifestyles in a civilization; it is beyond just stories of the past and the customs of the ancestors. The wisdom found beneath a culture truly embodies the foundation of the future and constantly steers the formation of a new culture. While earth’s global ocean is the largest confirmed surface on all observable planets, only so little was ever explored by humans. Furthermore, the ocean is an integral part of all known life and influences our climate and weather patterns. Connecting continents and civilizations, the ocean symbolizes diversity, inclusiveness, and infinity and may hold the secret to advancing humanity. Can Taiwan, an island nation where people are constantly battling with national identity, learn from her rich historical past and envision her future with inspiration from the ocean?
2013 - LANTERN JUNGLE
2013
Culture is the acronym for the lifestyles in a civilization; it is beyond just stories of the past and the customs of the ancestors. The wisdom found beneath a culture truly embodies the foundation of the future and constantly steers the formation of a new culture. While earth’s global ocean is the largest confirmed surface on all observable planets, only so little was ever explored by humans. Furthermore, the ocean is an integral part of all known life and influences our climate and weather patterns. Connecting continents and civilizations, the ocean symbolizes diversity, inclusiveness, and infinity and may hold the secret to advancing humanity. Can Taiwan, an island nation where people are constantly battling with national identity, learn from her rich historical past and envision her future with inspiration from the ocean?
2014 - LANTERN PALACES
2014
TAIWANfest celebrates its 10th Anniversary! TCAT in collaboration with Harbourfront Centre and ACSEA welcome back this summer staple. This year, the festival used the flower Myosotis, a non-Taiwan native plant, to show the foreign influences on the island and to set the stage for a vibrant, colourful and ever-evolving culture today. Like Myosotis, Taiwan may be insignificant in the eyes of the world’s giants; Taiwan is also reminiscent of many little stories with big aspirations around the world. Everyone of us matters as we always leave footprints in our paths, past, present or future. We are our own legacies and we dare the world to Forget Me Not!
2015 - WORLD'S LITTLE SHEPHERDS: SHEEP OR SHEPHERDS
2015
What would be different for you today had some long distant ancestor made a different decision? What will be the impact on future generations of the choices you make today? In 2015 TAIWANfest explored this complex idea, reminding us all that even inaction will cause ripples across the fabric of time and space. History – whether Taiwan’s or any other nation’s – is built upon the work of those who came before us. We will all leave something behind for those who come after us – let’s try and make that something a Torch of Hope!
2016 - MONKEY KING AND HIS FRIENDS
2016 - A CULTURAL TANGO WITH HONG KONG
With the support of our co-producers, Harbourfront Centre, TCAT along with ACSEA launched the Dialogue with Asia Series in 2016: a five year plan to feature a different Asian culture each year at TAIWANfest. Through various artistic and intercultural exchange, each year is an opportunity for a new community to self determine and self express their connections to Taiwan, Canada, and the world. Against the backdrop of one of Canada’s most vibrant downtown environments, develop an even deeper respect and appreciation for the diversity we are all so proud of!
2017 - WE ARE ALL THE SAME! - ROOSTER WINTER GAMES
2017 - KANPAI, JAPAN
After a successful Tango with Hong Kong, TAIWANfest set its sights on presenting a Dialogue with Japan. TCAT worked hard to engage the local Japanese community and enrich the programming with local musicians, artisans, and organizations.
The festive staple of toasting is ubiquitous and nearly every culture has its own variation on this gesture of goodwill. Whether it is the French “Santé”, German “Prost”, Scandinavian “Skål” or others, toasting and merrymaking go hand in hand.
The festive staple of toasting is ubiquitous and nearly every culture has its own variation on this gesture of goodwill. Whether it is the French “Santé”, German “Prost”, Scandinavian “Skål” or others, toasting and merrymaking go hand in hand.
2018 - IT'S JUST PERFECT AND BEAUTIFUL!
2018 - FÊTE WITH THE PHILIPPINES
Learning
What does it mean to be culturally diverse? What does it mean to be part of any one community? What defines who you are or what your community is? Does the community define Chinatown or does Chinatown define Chinese? Out of convenience in the globally interconnected conditions of today, we continue to sort people and communities; first we were stereotyped by those who did not know us, now we are funneled by algorithms and machine learning. Why can we not derive our own identities from our curiosity on our connections with others? How do we show respect without being corny? Why should we fear to learn the truth?
What does it mean to be culturally diverse? What does it mean to be part of any one community? What defines who you are or what your community is? Does the community define Chinatown or does Chinatown define Chinese? Out of convenience in the globally interconnected conditions of today, we continue to sort people and communities; first we were stereotyped by those who did not know us, now we are funneled by algorithms and machine learning. Why can we not derive our own identities from our curiosity on our connections with others? How do we show respect without being corny? Why should we fear to learn the truth?
2019 - SAVING THE MOMENT
Dreams are important for people. They are inspirations for the future. For most children, we grow up learning to save money with piggy banks; with every coin deposited to the piglet, there is always a goal in mind or a something to wish for. These wishes may include the birthday gifts from parents, dreams to start a business, a vacation with loved ones or a fund to get married. These are not just the moments to wish for greater future but also moments to savour with people who are most important to our lives. Saving theses moments of love, courage, inspiration or friendship is similar to accumulating the invaluable fortunes of our lives; they will always be there to relieve the sufferings, challenges, bumps or bruises that we might encounter in our life’s journey.
2019 - RIDING THE WAVES WITH VIETNAM
Courage
Survival for many is an act of courage; to live is to find meanings in the suffering. When people are displaced and lives are detoured, the tenacity one demonstrates to survive is the essence of beauty.
Painters, musicians, poets and artists love to capture this quality in people and these works often inspire others to find the strength to continue their path.
Survival for many is an act of courage; to live is to find meanings in the suffering. When people are displaced and lives are detoured, the tenacity one demonstrates to survive is the essence of beauty.
Painters, musicians, poets and artists love to capture this quality in people and these works often inspire others to find the strength to continue their path.
2020 - DOORS OPEN
The mindset of new immigrants is similar to opening doors. Seeking a better and happier lifestyle is almost the only motive behind these movements of people. The thought of living in a safe and free land provides the power to take on challenges to better ourselves and the world. We reflect on our path and our memories but we are all about building a better future together! Facing the fears of the unknown and uncertainties, the inner struggle before opening a new door is sometimes unimaginable to those on the other side. Before the door opens, we yearn for faces of warmth and welcome because they represent hope, happiness, and acceptance. We are prepared to answer with overwhelming gratitude and appreciation for kindness. The moment when doors open, people connect; it is a new beginning!
2020 - THE SURVIVED
Civilizations progressed because people learned from the misdeeds of the past. What went wrong? Is our world a better or safer place today than pre-COVID-19? What went wrong? What does it mean to have survived the pandemic? Do we have the answers or are we still looking for answers?
When the world is paused, the best and the worst in people begin to surface. Asking difficult questions and owning mistakes help us clearly see the truth that we had refused to acknowledge for so long. Taiwan was insignificant in the eyes of many when the world was busy making deals with China. Today, can the story of Taiwan be a reminder of how important it is to stand tall for our core values and beliefs? Nothing is worth the consequences of lockdowns, shutdowns and the millions of lives lost.
When the world is paused, the best and the worst in people begin to surface. Asking difficult questions and owning mistakes help us clearly see the truth that we had refused to acknowledge for so long. Taiwan was insignificant in the eyes of many when the world was busy making deals with China. Today, can the story of Taiwan be a reminder of how important it is to stand tall for our core values and beliefs? Nothing is worth the consequences of lockdowns, shutdowns and the millions of lives lost.
2021 - FAMILY IS EVERYTHING
Family is where everything begins. Like a comma, it gives us the breathing room for never ending thoughts; it’s the place first to shape our perspectives navigating the world. Like a period, it is often the place where a journey finds its conclusion or prepares for a fresh start. For every story, family is like these punctuation marks; it helps our stories flow well and brings out the emotions succinctly while providing the very foundation to support the narration. People can’t choose where one is born but everyone is born with the ability to love. Only when one learns to love unconditionally, it is then the writing of our life story can truly be profound and beautiful; that is the ultimate sanctuary for our souls.
2021 - RE-THINK ASIA
Culture is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group. A stereotype is a standardized mental picture that is held in common towards members of a group and that represents an oversimplified opinion, prejudiced attitude, or uncritical judgment. Both “culture” and “stereotype” are two words often used without consciously differentiating distinctions and because of Canada’s multiculturalism, our society is always facing these challenges. Re-think Asia aims to elevate the discussion on diversity in Canada through a dialogue between Taiwan and Korea; these conversations not only provide an opportunity for Canadians to learn about the complex evolution of arts and cultures in Taiwan and Korea but also encourage Taiwanese and Koreans to further examine the articulations of their own arts and cultures.
© Arts for Canadians Tomorrow Society
© Arts for Canadians Tomorrow Society