2025 “Local and Global” Academic Symposium Successfully Opens: Exploring New Curatorial Perspectives in the Era of Co-Creation-國立成功大學永續發展SDGs

The “Local and Remote” Academic Symposium 2025, organized annually by the Graduate Institute of Fine Arts and the Master’s Program in Drama Studies at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), focuses on interdisciplinary exchange and invites domestic and international experts and scholars to stimulate discussion on art-related topics. This year, the symposium centered on curatorial practice, bringing together perspectives from academia, industry, and museums to explore interdisciplinary connections and community building. By examining the revitalization of intangible cultural heritage and emphasizing local and community-based curatorial practices, the event aims to breathe new life into traditional arts and promote a harmonious integration of art and daily life.

The symposium took place on November 25, 2025, at the Lecture Hall of the College of Liberal Arts (1st Floor, Department of Chinese, Guangfu Campus, NCKU). Distinguished guests from outside the university included: Professor Yu-Hsiu Chen (陳郁秀), former Minister of the Ministry of Culture; Chiao-Pin Lin (林喬彬), Chief Secretary of the Tainan City Cultural Affairs Bureau; and Szu-Yu Chen (陳思瑀), Director of the Tainan Municipal Administration of Cultural Heritage. University representatives included Wei-Cheng Lo (羅偉誠), Distinguished Professor and Chief Secretary of NCKU, and Wen-Sung Chen (陳文松), Dean of the College of Liberal Arts. In his opening remarks, Professor Lo highlighted NCKU’s long-standing efforts in inter-college collaboration and noted that the university recently ranked 35th globally and first in Taiwan in the THE Interdisciplinary Science Rankings, reflecting international recognition of its interdisciplinary research capacity. As “interdisciplinarity” was also the theme of the symposium, he expressed confidence that the event would further enhance community engagement and cultural development.

During the opening ceremony, distinguished guests shared their perspectives on the future development of art. Professor Yu-Hsiu Chen, former Minister of the Ministry of Culture and Honorary Chair of the Egret Foundation, emphasized that the world is undergoing a rapid and comprehensive artificial intelligence revolution, and that losing the core values of art would lead to a soulless society. Chiao-Pin Lin, Chief Secretary of the Tainan City Cultural Affairs Bureau, noted that Tainan’s rich cultural heritage provides a strong foundation for international cultural connections. Dean Wen-Sung Chen praised the symposium and referenced the Japanese curator Yuji Akimoto as an example, expressing hope that the event would stimulate future utilization of cultural resources.

In addition to these guests, the symposium featured two keynote lectures. On November 25, Professor Hsin-Tien Liao (廖新田), Chair of the Taiwan Art History Association and Acting Director of the Graduate Institute of Arts Management and Cultural Policy at National Taiwan University of Arts, presented “Subjectivity and Dialogue in Cross-Disciplinary Curation: Rethinking Local and International Perspectives.” On November 26, Yu-Ling Zheng (鄭羽伶), Head of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Management Division at the Tainan Municipal Administration of Cultural Heritage, discussed the promotion and interpretation of intangible cultural heritage through exhibitions.

The two-day symposium included five presentation sessions with ten presenters, covering topics such as contemporary curatorial trends, practical implementation, and interdisciplinary connections with the digital age, globalization, urban contexts, and community-based art. Presenters represented ten institutions, including the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum, Zhu Ma Zhen Group, Treasure Hill Artist Village, New Taipei City Museum of Fine Arts, Egret Foundation, NCKU, National Taiwan University of Arts, Tainan National University of the Arts, Tunghai University, and the Taiwan Art History Association, collectively envisioning new perspectives for curatorial practice.

Director Yi-Fang Wu (吳奕芳) of the NCKU Graduate Institute of Fine Arts and the Master’s Program in Drama Studies, who coordinated the symposium, noted that Honorary Professor Shih-Te Yu (施德玉) has long cultivated strong ties with traditional arts, and Assistant Professor Ching-Hsun Yu (余青勳) brings extensive museum experience, connecting broad curatorial practices. This year’s symposium continued the tradition of cross-field exchanges in music, theater, and visual arts, convening experts to address challenges posed by globalization and digital technology. “We aim not only to preserve tradition but also to explore the multiple roles and values of art in contemporary society. The invited scholars all possess solid practical experience, and through two days of dialogue and exchange, we believe the symposium will provide clearer foresight for the future development of art,” Wu stated. She also expressed gratitude to the Tainan Municipal Administration of Cultural Heritage for their long-term support and added, “Preparations for next year’s symposium are already underway. Through collaboration, we hope to create new opportunities and broaden perspectives in the arts.”