TAIWANfest Vancouver 2024

TAIWANfest Vancouver 2024

Embark on a Journey of Migration, Decolonization, and Identity

Dates: August 31 – September 2, 2024
Price: FREE (Some ticketed events)
Locations: Various venues across Vancouver, including:

• šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square (North of the Vancouver Art Gallery)
• Granville Street
• ANNEX
• Vancouver Playhouse
• Vancouver Public Library (Central Branch)
• VSO Willms Salon

Website: vancouvertaiwanfest.ca

Festival Overview

When the Dutch East India Company (VOC) left Taiwan in 1662 after 38 years of colonization, they left an indelible mark on the island's history and identity. TAIWANfest Vancouver 2024 invites you to explore this complex legacy through the arts, delving into themes of migration, decolonization, and self-discovery.

Under the theme "BECOMING ME", the festival explores the languages, dances, and music that shape our identities and connect diverse cultures. Experience how traditional forms transform and merge, creating new dialogues and expressions that resonate across time and space.

Festival Highlights

1. Music Performances

Experience a rich tapestry of sounds from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Canada, exploring the relationship between artists and their mother tongues.

• ¡Sinophone! Series
  • Artists: Lillium (百合花), Tennyson King (百城)
  • Venue: Pancouver Stage at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square
  • Dates: August 31 & September 1
• TECTONIC Series (Curated by Nancy Lee)
  • Performances: Barangay Project Exhibition Dance Battle: 7-to-Smoke, CADENA
  • Venue: Pancouver Stage
  • Dates: August 31 & September 1 (7:00 PM – 9:30 PM)
• Third Culture Collective
  • Artists: CRAYON, James Tseung, handwash, Shinlok, Kei Valentines
  • Venue: Pancouver Stage
  • Date: September 2

2. Dance Performances

Discover the universal language of dance through captivating performances that blend traditional and contemporary styles.

• "SaySiyat azem - Soul of SaySiyat"
  • Description: A fusion of traditional Saisiyat culture with contemporary dance.
  • Venue: ANNEX
  • Date: August 31 (7:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
• "Flamenco de Formosa" (Ticketed Event)
  • Description: Explore how Flamenco dance transforms when brought back to Taiwan's diverse cultural landscape.
  • Venue: Vancouver Playhouse
  • Date: September 1 (7:30 PM – 10:00 PM)

3. Hope Talks

Engage in insightful discussions exploring history, culture, and identity with scholars and artists.

• "From Guest to Host: Hakka Migration Around the World"
  • Speaker: Vivian Chang (張典婉)
  • Venue: Vancouver Public Library (Central Branch)
  • Date: August 31 (10:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
• "When Flamenco Calls"
  • Speakers: Hsueh Yu-Hsien (薛喻鮮), Lian Ho (賀連華), Rosario Ancer
  • Venue: Pancouver Stage
  • Date: August 31 (1:30 PM – 3:00 PM)
• "Barefoot and High Heels"
  • Speakers: Hsueh Yu-Hsien (薛喻鮮), Lian Ho (賀連華)
  • Venue: ANNEX
  • Date: September 2 (3:30 PM – 5:00 PM)

4. Cinematic Taiwan

Explore Taiwan's rich storytelling tradition through film screenings and discussions.

• "Identity: Lost and Found" with Director Q&A
  • Director: Tjaikung Rusegeseg (蕭子敬)
  • Venue: ANNEX
  • Date: September 1 (12:00 PM – 1:30 PM)
• "When The Flowers Bloom"
  • Venue: Pancouver Stage
  • Date: September 1 (1:00 PM – 2:15 PM)

5. Demonstrations and Workshops

Participate in interactive sessions showcasing culinary arts and musical talents.

• "The Kitchen of Sweetness" Demo
  • Artist: Yui Aida (會田由衣)
  • Venue: 700 Granville Street
  • Dates: September 1 & 2 (4:30 PM – 6:00 PM)
• "Walking Melodies"
  • Artist: Tom Su (蘇恩聖)
  • Venue: 700 Granville Street
  • Dates: August 31 – September 2 (Various times)

Venue Details

šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square

• Location: North of the Vancouver Art Gallery
• Hours:
  • August 31 & September 1: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
  • September 2: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Granville Street

• Location: 700 Block
• Hours: Daily 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Additional Information

• Admission: All events are free unless specified as ticketed.
• Accessibility: Venues are accessible to all attendees. Please check the official website for specific accessibility information.
• COVID-19 Measures: The festival will adhere to all current public health guidelines to ensure the safety of all participants.

Join TAIWANfest Vancouver 2024 and immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of culture, history, and artistic expression. Discover the evolving identity of Taiwan through a diverse array of performances and discussions that bridge past and future, tradition and innovation.

For detailed schedules and updates, visit vancouvertaiwanfest.ca.

Explore more events and activities in Metro Vancouver at www.vancouver.page.