History
2023 YEAR TO IMAGINE
Under the snow-white moonlight
round and mellow with big red eyes…
White
Is it empty space or gentle warmth?
Are you able to see your possibilities in its infinity?
Red
Is it a juicy apple or good fortune?
Are you able to see your uniqueness within its vibrancy?
A shape
Is it a frame or is it a cage?
Or does it allow you to see the edges of your own horizons
A hop
Is it a dancer or just the breeze?
Or do you see the freedom in your creativity?
Moonlight
Is it distance or fullness?
Or does it shed light on your courage?
2022 THE STORIES OF INDEPENDENCE
When Indonesia left Dutch colonization and Malaysia left Great Britain…
what happened to the world?
After generations of cultural evolutions and lifetimes of acquiring wisdom…
is our world better than before?
If we learn from the many struggles that occur between Peoples and Nations…
would the world be more peaceful?
Who likes to be treated as one among many?
Who would rather be treated as one of a kind?
2022 TOGETHER, STRONGER
Tigers are solitary creatures and not one tiger is alike. For humans, each of us has a unique soul, and our differences form the treasures of humanity. Tigers are humble animals, known for their patience and determination. For humans, these traits are virtues that often determine whether one is accomplished or just ordinary. Tigers naturally share their food, instinctively protecting each other within their streak. For humans, we are still learning to coexist together with Mother Nature, generation after generation. As tigers become increasingly endangered, we humans need to face the reality of the environment we all share.
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.
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.
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?
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
2018
It's Just Perfect and Beautiful. Year of the Dog.
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.
2017
We are All the Same! - Rooster Winter Games. Year of the Rooster.
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.
2016
Monkey King and His Friends. Year of the Monkey.
2015 - THE TORCH OF HOPE
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.
2015
World's Little Shepherds: Sheep or Shepherds? Year of the Sheep.
2014 - FORGET ME NOT
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.
2014
Lantern Palaces. Year of the Horse.
2013 - CHILDREN OF THE OCEAN
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.
2013
Lantern Jungle. Year of the Snake
2012 - DARE TO DREAM
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.
2012
Lantern Aquarium.Year of Dragon
2011 - THE POWER OF PLUS
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.
2010 - CROSSOVER
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.
2009 - A NEW JOURNEY
“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.
2008 - WORLD IN AN ISLAND
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.
2007 - TAIWAN: ILHA FORMOSA
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.
2006 - HO-HAI-YAN TAIWAN
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.
2005 - UNLEASHED AND BEYOND
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.
© Arts for Canadians Tomorrow Society
© Arts for Canadians Tomorrow Society