Introduction
The theme of this activity is “Infuse ‘art’ into local villages, tribes, and community life.” This will be the largest mobilization of Xizhi and though the difficulty and complexity are high, we are confident that this activity will be a model example for future artistic development in the community. We hope that there will be a local carnival every year, becoming a unique feature of Xizhi culture.
Contents of activity:
1. Collective creation by citizens
From an artistic perspective, and using community/village as the main theme in collaboration with schools – teachers, students, volunteers and local residents are invited to participate. The activity is geared towards developing artistic talents, and it is held one week prior to the main event at schools, communities and neighborhood offices.
2. Long term development of the “Art Carnival”
To develop local artistic development and mobilize all citizens to participate.
3. Carnival Parade
All collective artworks are “mobile” and invited to participate in the Carnival Parade at the weekend. The parade of all the artworks and artists represents Xizhi’s community spirit, making the carnival ever more astounding and lively.
Purpose
The innocence and passion of artists have demolished walls of segregation within the community. Having simple art events is the best way to reach into the local community because it encourages local residents to care and get involved with art and facilitate a humanistic environment. Community residents are invited to create workshops which may help to diminish distance between one another as people come together to build and contribute. Our kindness and warmth for one another can be rekindled, and students’ artistic perspectives can be broadened through their creativity.
Through the whole event, we can pass on the message of the importance of recycling and saving resources to participants. Creating art with recycled objects not only promotes recycling, but also nurtures the creative minds of local residents.
Local Attractions
DaJian Mountain
Also known as “DaJian Mountain” (Big Needle Mountain). Its name comes from its shape, which is high and points upward into the sky. It is part of the Jiangziliao Mountain series of Five Mountain Groups, which is one of the most popular mountain-hiking spots in Xizhi. There are numerous monasteries on it, like Hangci Monastery, Jingxiu Monastry, MiLe Hall, Tiansiou Temple, etc. The monasteries provide tourists a temporary but comfortable resting place. There are large stones on the peak of the mountain, where breath-taking views of Keelungshan, Cising Mountain, Guanyin Mountain, and the whole view of Taipei basin can be seen. Towards the south, there are well-known architectures such as Shiyuncun Club and Fuji Villa; towards the west, there are beautiful waterfalls and Qiedong Waterfall towards the north. This is indeed an ideal spot for relaxation and families to spend their time together.
Xinshan Menghu
It is a newly constructed walk path near Taipei countryside. Its name comes from the constant hovering of clouds during winter, giving it a dream-like appearance, thus the name “Menghu” (Dream Lake). A pavilion is nearby for tourists to rest and appreciate its serenity. Xinshan can be reached within half an hour by walking along Menghu’s pathways. It is only 499 meters in altitude but steep in its cliffs. There are no surrounding mountains nearby therefore appearing to be high and dangerous. From its peak, tourists get an unobstructed view that is soothingly beautiful.
Jing-siou Zen Monastery
It is located beneath Xiufeng Mountain and was constructed in 1911. Funded by Er-Min Su, the monastery attracts multitudes of believers from all over the country each year. Cihang Memorial hall and Mile Courtyard are also available for tourists to visit.
