Objectives
The aims of "2011 The New Taipei City Waterfront Art Festival" are to use the renowned Xindian River as its stage to add "music" of certain genre for making the perfect combination with the natural landscapes. By doing so, it not only continues the spirits of "Xindian Waterfront Art Festival" and "Midsummer Night's Dream", but also plans music of different themes in accordance with the natural environment of the activity as well as the characteristics of the regional population. By arranging themed music programs, the regional music characteristics are shaped and hopefully with these performances, the public will be nurtured to appreciate art and attend art activities. The local government gathers local artists, schools and community art groups to participate in the waterfront. From July to September, the public is invited to experience the unique charms and passion of the waterfront culture of New Taipei City through music and relevant activities.
Introduction
Xindian River, the origin that nourishes the dreams of art and culture, has nurtured the rich soil for diverse culture in Yonghe and Xindian areas and flows the poetic and elegant allures that sing and paint mesmerizing melodies. It nurtures the beautifulness and sadness of artists and musicians and flows the rich culture of Taiwan while quenches the hearts of people. Waterfront is alive because of humanities and is mesmerizing because of art. 2011 New Taipei City Waterfront Art Festival invites you to listen to the romantic music scores, to be mesmerized by the chanting, to experience charms and passion of the Waterfront Festival, and create a wonderful chapter of art and an amazing summer of New Taipei City. Inter-national and high standard artistic sparks are created at the waterfront. Themed "An Art Trip, Praise Music ", the local government has arranged 2 series of activities: "Yonghe - A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Xindian - The World's Waterfront", aiming at bringing art into everyday life so that everyone can share the rich humanities and aesthetics. The performances, in addition to being in response to the local environment and cultural characteristics and atmosphere, also include famous bands from Sweden and USA as well as great local performing groups. By brining the public their unique and wonderful performances, inter-national and high standard artistic sparks are ignited in the Waterfront Festival offering the public top-notch feast that satisfies both eyes and ears. Besides these brilliant performances, a lot of art creating activities are also available to the public. All are invited to explore the diverse aspects of the waterfront via intellectual yet interesting interaction. While immersing in the artistic atmosphere at the waterfront, the public can also experience the satisfaction and fun of making their artifacts. The multi-aspect cultural seeds of the New Taipei City, watered by music, are deeply rooted and grown with the nourishments of performances, and ultimately sweet fruits will be produced.
The colorful dreams are presented in different art performances such as music dramas and dances that each age generation pursues. The Kid's Dream Theater explores the imaginative world of children. The energetic pop concert brought by popular bands of the new generation inspires the excited passion and unlimited vitalities of chasing dreams. The classical combination in A Nostalgic Night of Campus Songs recalls the memories in youth time and a sense of nostalgia. In addition, Heishan Drama Troup and Assembly Dance Theatre also brings the public wonderful performances. The amazing performances, the interesting traveling around the world game, and the campus song concert lead the public into a land of dream chase. The yearnings for dreaming and dream chasing are raised by melodies.
The gentle river is the cradle for human civilization. The great four ancient civilizations were developed by the waterfront. A theme of music styles that echo with famous and unique river basins of different countries is used to continue the local characteristics and features of New Taipei City's waterfronts. In Bitan, you may spend a passionate summer afternoon in a Spanish way, enjoy a relaxing afternoon under a Japanese cherry tree, sail on a Gondola and listen to the handsome gondolier singing romantic Italian ballots, or walk into a tropical forest to experience the wildness of African drum dances. In the evening, parties in the theme of various nations are available. You get to enjoy the style of Les Parfumes de Paris, the romanticness of Danube River, the swinging Jazz of New Orleans and the inheritance of the classic and timeless art of Taiwan. There are 4 consecutive Sunday afternoons for the public to experience exotic river basin art and culture charms of different nations. From the rhythm of the World's Waterfront back to the artistic tempo of Xindian River, the Waterfront of New Taipei City becomes a shiny point to connect with the international art. You are invited to come and enjoy the most gentle, distinct and unique voices of the waterfront.
Local Highlights
Xindian Ferry is the only manual ferry station in Taiwan. As if reproducing Vennus in Taiwan, the boat owner takes the visitors across the river by rowing a wooden boat. In the early days, there were no main roads built for people in Wantan, so all they had for getting out was by boat. Later, main roads were built and taking boats back and forth was no longer needed. Only travelers and travelers only have the time to experience the beautiful image left in the history. If you are at the Xindian Ferry and would like to ride on a boat, please press the button by the station. The boat owner will appear from the other side of the river to take you swinging leisurely in the river.
Xindian Old Street is located behind the hustling and bustling streets. You will see this street once you cross the traditional morning market. The lonely street without visitors walking by makes it even more deserted. Liugong Canal that brought water from Bitan to Taipei City went through the underground of this old street. Part of the old construction was the raised foundation as an anti-flood measure. There are also concrete revetments next to houses to prevent houses from falling. The coexistance of old historical wooden buildings and new style concrete houses has become a very interesting contrast.
The inheritance of traditional culture is being valued more and more these days. There are history halls in many areas for collecting, exhibiting and promoting the local history and culture. Xindian History Hall was formerly known as "Xindian Historical Literature Hall" and was later relocated to Magong Park. It was officially open to the public in 2003. The hall has collected abundant literatures and artifacts from Qing Dynasty to present day provided by local history enthusiasts. It is divided into 7 major exhibition areas of the cultural development, the changes of settlements, transportation construction, and industrial activities in Xindian area. All are displayed in details. In-depth history trips and history researches are being held from time to time, making the functions of exhibitions and education of the hall to the fullest. The quiet and winding Xindian river carries many new and old stories of Xindian and these stories contribute to the civilization of Xindian.
