Introduction
With more than 400 years of history, today's Tamsui is still rich in history and culture. Held since 2007, the "Tamsui Art Event" is known for its diverse forms of art and cultural performances. This year’s event will include the "2009 Tamsui Children's Art Festival" and focuses on art works on the theme of the Sino-French War in 1884. The only victory enjoyed by the Chinese army in this war was the "Huwei Battle" in Tamsui. Honoring the history and its significance, our event focuses on the themes of "teamwork" and "peace." Local residents and students are encouraged to participate in this event and enjoy the paintings, dramas, music, and sculptures by local artists.
Content of Activities:
1. Drama Performed by Local Residents based on the Historical Battle
Produced by the Golden Bough Theater and performed by the local residents, the drama on "Hu-wei Battle" utilizes the elements such as traditional ceremonies. This epic performance on the outdoor stage incorporates landscapes, history and legends using theatrical measures that are dedicated to Tamsui.
2. Costume Art
Participated by local artists, art groups, civil groups, communities, and schools, this workshop helps the public learn about the art of costume-making. The workshop teaches things such body-languages, the making of costumes, creating artistic festooned vehicles, and musical instruments...etc., demonstrating the achievements by artists working at schools and communities.
3. Tamsui Artistic Workshop VS. New Generation Market of Innovation Complementing Tamsui's history and its culture, this event invites the public to join the creative process. The Market of Innovation and the Workshop are invited to demonstrate Tamsui's
4. The achivement of artists working at schools and communities is exhibited via campus events, musical performances, or artisticexhibitions, creating an artistic environment for the locals.
5. Tamsui's Art and Culture Tour
The tour is held by the Town Office's Tourism Service Center and teaches the public about the Sino-French War and related events,and participants can vote on their favorite 8 sceneries in Tamsui and join the food taste-out.
6. The "Rock for Peace" Concert
Held in the art community on old Zhongzheng road, this event on the themes of peace and cultural harmony brings new life to Tamsui's history with the powerful rock & roll music.
Purpose
To help the public to learn more about Tamsui, to improve the local artistic and cultural industries, to create local cultural industries,to enrich tourism resources, and to get the locals involved, this year’s Tamsui Art Event will be expanded and adopt unique themes, and the townsmen and tourists will experience how art becomes a part of their lives. This largest annual event in Tamsui aims to establish a cultural image that is unique to this town and turn it into a romantic city with rich cultural and tourism resources.
Local Attractions
Tamsui Old Street
The old Zhongzheng Rd. was expanded during 1999 to 2000, where the new granite walkways, restored ancient buildings, and organized commercial signs have transformed this place into a beautiful tourist attraction. The landmark “Art of Huwei” at the
entrance to the Old Street has a 16m-long ceramic wall in the mid-section, which was an improvised work by the local artists in the2004 Tamsui Art Festival. There are more attractions such as Mackay Park, Qingshui Zushi Temple, Fuyou Temple, Mackay Mission Hospital, and the Chapel of Presbyterian Church. Besides learning about history, the Old Street is also perfect for shopping and enjoying delicacies.
Fishermen’s Wharf
The wharf has an excellent view that combines the Tamsui Lighthouse, Zhonglun Dyke, Shihu Cape, and Shalun Beach, making it perfect place for sight-seeing, fishing, biking, and viewing the sunset. The County Government has built the wood pavement on thedyke and expanded the parking lots, the wharf, fish market, and the “Lovers’ Bridge” have become one of the most popular destinations in Taiwan.
Hongshulin (Mangrove)
The largest Kandelia forest in the world is located right by the shore of Tamsui and Zhuwei. In this conservation area one cannot only see the unique and interesting process of “zoogony” of this species but also other life forms such as fiddler crabs, water birds,and mudskippers. The bike-lane from Tamsui to Hongshulin MRT station and the exhibition site within the MRT station by the Forestry Bureau, completed with educational material and an observatory, is the reasons why this town has become the most convenient wild life classroom in Taiwan.
