Creative Magic Castle opens at New Taipei festival

2015/07/28

The main cultural showpiece of New Taipei Children’s Art Festival opened July 25 at Banqiao 435 Art Zone, offering visitors a vast array of activities to enjoy until the end of August.

Creative Magic Castle boasts seven pavilions featuring crafts and games, a magic flea market, an open studio, stunt shows and a schedule of 90 cultural activities. It brings together a rich diversity of local activities such as Pingxi sky lanterns, Sanxia blue dye and Shihmen surfing in a celebration of good, clean cultural fun.

Mayor Eric Chu said at the opening ceremony that the castle is sure to entertain showgoers of all ages with hands-on art experiences. “The event is a genuine milestone in the city’s creative and cultural development.”

According to Chu, the zone’s downtown location has helped make it a base in northern Taiwan for 100-plus artists and groups since its inception in 2012. “Some of our most successful talents include Contemporary Legend Theater, ESP-I Performing Arts Group, New Image Theater Group and Taiwan Toys Museum,” he said.

“It is through the fantasy summer wonderland these artists fashion each year for the children that truly helps art and creativity take root in their hearts and minds. I have every reason to believe that we are laying the foundations for an even more creative and innovative Taiwan in the 21st century and beyond.”

In addition to the scheduled activities, weekends will be bolstered with performances by local art groups such as Ifkids Theater, The Performing Art Company and W.H.O. Theater.

But the highlight of the festival is Fairytale Castle—a Middle East-themed parade boasting larger-than-life inflatable cartoon figures. Running Aug. 8-18 at New Taipei City Hall Citizen Plaza, the event comprises an Arabian-style castle and a 13-meter genie, as well as a stellar cast of Eastern and Western fairytale characters.

An official with NTC Government’s Cultural Affairs Department said the festival is set to foster a greater appreciation for art among youngsters through spectacular performances and participation. “This is one of the best summer experiences for the children of northern Taiwan, and we look forward to record participation this year.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=233051&ctNode=413)