The fourth Taiwan International Cultural and Creative Industry Expo is being held at Taipei World Trade Center Nangang Exhibition Hall Nov. 21-24, with record numbers of participating countries, companies and stalls, the ROC Ministry of Culture said.
“The TICCIE is going from strength to strength,” MOC Minister Lung Ying-tai said. “This year’s event is clearly positioned to show the explosive potential of the nation’s craft industry, which combines traditional techniques with modern design. Increasing numbers of foreign buyers is evidence that TICCIE has become an effective business matchmaking platform.”
There are exhibitors from 19 countries and territories, the MOC said, including South Korea, mainland China and first-timers Azerbaijan, Georgia, Macau and Peru. A total of 564 companies have set up 1,035 stalls, and 120 international buyers and specialists are taking part.
“This year’s exhibition has a Hidden Art section, which has attracted a lot of interest,” Lung said. “Originating from the London Design Festival, the concept is about bringing creative design of great potential out from the lanes and alleys to the public’s attention. For example, in Pingtung County, southern Taiwan, the small Dashe tribe of only 170 households is home to more than 20 artists. Their artifacts convey the power of Taiwan’s grassroots art.”
Famous domestic brands, such as Yingge-based Tai-Hwa Pottery and New Taipei City-based Tittot Co. Ltd., with their ingenious porcelain and glass designs, are also exhibiting for the first time, the MOC said.
“Gathering rich strength from earth and inheriting the warmth and memories from Mother Nature, the annual theme pavilion this year centers on natural dyes,” TICCIE said.
The theme matches UNESCO’s International Symposium and Exhibition on Natural Dyes, which will be held in Taiwan next year. Nearly 100 products created using natural dyes are on show, demonstrating how Taiwan’s traditional techniques are being reinvented as a modern design tool to introduce grassroots culture to contemporary life.
According to the MOC, renowned Taiwan fashion designer Johan Ku will be showing his signature sweaters tailor-made for three female singers. The sculptural quality of his creations turns natural dyes into cutting-edge international fashion. (SDH)
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