The City of Perth has launched the Taipei and Perth Artist Exchange Program. The exchange offers a reciprocal residency of two months for an artist from Perth to travel to Taipei and an artist from Taipei to travel to Perth.
The Perth artist will be accommodated at the Taipei Artist Village and the Taiwanese artist will reside at the Central TAFE artists residency.
The exchange between the cities is a project that builds on a relationship that was formalised in 1999 when Perth and Taipei signed a Charter of Mutual Friendship. Perth Lord Mayor, Doctor Peter Nattrass, said since that time, the two cities have become close friends.
“This program has been developed to facilitate the exchange of ideas and understanding between our two cities and to foster the creative development of young people and artists,” he said. “Exchanges between countries and cities are generally thought of in terms of economies and trade – but this exchange is also grounded in ideas and concepts that embrace living in peace and harmony and a deeper understanding of cultural diversity. What better way to express these ideals than through the visual arts which communicates beyond the limitations of spoken or written language.”
The first exchange student from Taipei is Ms I-Ching Hung. In March, the City of Perth held an exhibition, Sensation, comprising the works of nine Western Australian artists and the visiting Taipei artist. Sensation was held to promote the exchange and to introduce I-Ching Hung to her Western Australian peers and the general public.
In 2007, Perth will send its first local artist to Taipei to absorb themselves in Taiwanese culture. An allowance of $6,600 will be awarded to the artist. This includes $5,000 for expenses and $1,600 for materials. The cost of the return flight to Taiwan will also be covered.
For further information Chris Hughes, Perth’s International Alliances Coordinator, on (08) 9461 3105.
