Cloud Gate inaugurates new home in New Taipei City

2015-04-21

The headquarters for Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan opened April 19 in Tamsui District, New Taipei City, ushering in a renewed era of professionalism and community engagement for one of the nation’s most recognized cultural icons.

“This facility encapsulates society’s belief and trust in the troupe,” Cloud Gate founder Lin Hwai-min said at the launch ceremony. “In addition to serving as our base, it will function as a testing ground for the works of other local companies and performing groups, as well as a springboard for aspiring homegrown artists.”

Echoing Lin’s remarks, New Taipei City Mayor Eric Chu praised Cloud Gate for electing to put down roots in the northern Taiwan metropolis.

“The troupe is on the frontline in showcasing Taiwan’s soft power, and we expect its arts and cultural education center to lead the charge in instilling Taiwan’s performing arts sector with youthful vigor and momentum.”

Situated on the former site of Radio Taiwan International’s Tamsui campus next to historic Hobe Fort, the center was constructed under a build-operate-transfer contract with the city government after the group’s makeshift studio nearby was destroyed by a blaze in 2008.

The 1.5-hectare hillside campus, designed by acclaimed Taiwan architect Huang Sheng-yuan, cost NT$660 million (US$21.3 million) and was funded solely by 4,155 private-sector donations, including a grant of US$5 million by Chicago-based Alphawood Foundation.

Boasting a 450- and two 150-seat theaters, as well as an outdoor arena stage capable of seating 1,500, the complex is to serve as the 42-year-old troupe’s permanent residence for the next half century.

As part of inauguration activities, a special outdoor exhibition “White Living World Series” by renowned Taiwan sculptor Ju Ming is being staged on-site, as is a photo exhibition by 20-year-plus Cloud Gate collaborator Liu Chen-hsiang.

More than 100 productions are scheduled at the facility this year, with the annual “Spring Riot” by Cloud Gate 2 selected as the April 24 premiere performance.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=229482&CtNode=413)