SDG10
"Siraya Participatory Curation" 16 Young Curators Share Their Stories Through Songs and Art
Jointly created by 16 Siraya youth from Kaohsiung Municipal Muh-Jan Elementary School at Nei-Men District, the exhibition “Painting Our Story, Saying Our Name – Siraya Participatory Curation” was held from June 18 to 20 at Good Days Gallery (好日光景), located in Tainan. This exhibition, presented through the eyes of children, offers a pure and heartfelt portrayal that blends the authenticity of local culture with youthful sincerity. The opening event on the 18th was attended by Mr. Qing-Zheng Li, director of Muh-Jan Elementary School, Ms. Li-Juan Li, teachers, parents of the children, and many enthusiastic visitors. Instead of being overly stylized or formalized, the exhibition emphasizes a cultural connection rooted in everyday life and the land itself.
16 students from Muh-Jan Elementary School wore special costumes representing the Siraya Children’s Choir for the opening ceremony. As both artists and junior curators of the exhibition, they were directly involved in its planning and curation. During the opening tea reception, they performed the Siraya-language song “Beautiful Forest” , a piece that earned them the top prize at the Kaohsiung Indigenous Music Competition. For the exhibition, they also created an immersive setting inspired by the song, allowing the audience not only to “hear” the melody but also to “see” it brought to life.
The exhibition was initiated by Yi-Xuan Huang, a graduate student from the Institute of Creative Industries Design at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU). As the curator, she developed six participatory workshops focused on children’s cultural identity and recognition. These workshops guided the Siraya youth to explore their past, present, and future through first-person storytelling, empowering them to share their narratives authentically. The project aims to transcend age and status limitations, encouraging not only cultural preservation but also cultural regeneration and revitalization.
In addition to visual artworks, the exhibition features interactive installations that invite visitors to engage playfully—turning figurines, opening small doors, and listening to songs—to learn about the land’s history and stories in a lighthearted and child-friendly way. Huang Yixuan noted, “Through these workshops and the exhibition, I hope the seeds of Siraya identity can begin to grow in the hearts of these children. In time, these seeds will become strong trees that support the continued growth of Siraya culture.” She also warmly invites non-Siraya youth to visit the exhibition and participate in post-visit interviews, where they can explore Siraya history and culture through a youth-oriented lens. This helps cultivate “historical empathy” and contributes to a more inclusive and culturally diverse society. Interview participants will receive a small gift in appreciation. Interview Event Registration
The exhibition runs until June 22. The public is warmly welcomed to enter the space, step into their world, and witness the stories of the Siraya people.
Painting Our Story, Saying Our Name – Siraya Participatory Curation
Exhibition Dates｜ June 18 to June 22, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Venue｜Good Days Gallery, 3F, No. 84, Sec. 2, Ximen Road, West Central District, Tainan City
16 students from Muh-Jan Elementary School wore special costumes representing the Siraya Children’s Choir for the opening ceremony. As both artists and junior curators of the exhibition, they were directly involved in its planning and curation. During the opening tea reception, they performed the Siraya-language song “Beautiful Forest” , a piece that earned them the top prize at the Kaohsiung Indigenous Music Competition. For the exhibition, they also created an immersive setting inspired by the song, allowing the audience not only to “hear” the melody but also to “see” it brought to life.
The exhibition was initiated by Yi-Xuan Huang, a graduate student from the Institute of Creative Industries Design at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU). As the curator, she developed six participatory workshops focused on children’s cultural identity and recognition. These workshops guided the Siraya youth to explore their past, present, and future through first-person storytelling, empowering them to share their narratives authentically. The project aims to transcend age and status limitations, encouraging not only cultural preservation but also cultural regeneration and revitalization.
In addition to visual artworks, the exhibition features interactive installations that invite visitors to engage playfully—turning figurines, opening small doors, and listening to songs—to learn about the land’s history and stories in a lighthearted and child-friendly way. Huang Yixuan noted, “Through these workshops and the exhibition, I hope the seeds of Siraya identity can begin to grow in the hearts of these children. In time, these seeds will become strong trees that support the continued growth of Siraya culture.” She also warmly invites non-Siraya youth to visit the exhibition and participate in post-visit interviews, where they can explore Siraya history and culture through a youth-oriented lens. This helps cultivate “historical empathy” and contributes to a more inclusive and culturally diverse society. Interview participants will receive a small gift in appreciation. Interview Event Registration
The exhibition runs until June 22. The public is warmly welcomed to enter the space, step into their world, and witness the stories of the Siraya people.
Painting Our Story, Saying Our Name – Siraya Participatory Curation
Exhibition Dates｜ June 18 to June 22, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Venue｜Good Days Gallery, 3F, No. 84, Sec. 2, Ximen Road, West Central District, Tainan City
Group photo from the opening event of “Painting Our Story, Saying Our Name – Siraya Participatory Curation
16 youth from Muh-Jan Elementary School performed at the opening event
A young curator and her artwork on display
A young curator and his artwork on display
