A new gallery at Taipei 101 selling local artwork celebrated its opening yesterday as part of a government-sponsored project to promote the global cultural image of Taiwan and help upgrade the nation's art industry.
"These products represent not just saleable artwork, but a vivid demonstration of Taiwanese traditional arts infused with fashion," said Minister of Economic Affairs Steve Chen (
Designed to market Taiwanese art throughout the world, the project was launched in 1989 to help reform local art by integrating local resources and cultures, and molding artwork into marketable brand products.
More than 120 museums and galleries have benefited from the project, including the Yinge Ceramics Museum and the Hualien Stone Sculpture Museum, which have turned local artifacts into upscale pieces.
Located on the 5th floor of Taipei 101, which attracts more than 1 million visitors every year, the shop is the second store established under the project. The first opened last year at the Dream Mall in Kaohsiung City.
Chen said that by placing refined artwork in the country's landmark buildings, small-town art would have a better chance of getting the attention of international tourists.
He said the local pieces could also help foreign customers experience the nation's cultural diversity.
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