Street symphonies and art alleys: Taipei makes culture accessible to all

The Purpose

Since 2007, the Taipei City Government has jointly promoted two programmes aimed at infusing culture into public and community spaces. These programs are ‘Culture in the Alley’, which supports hyper-local performing arts events, and the Taipei Fine Arts Museum’s ‘Culture on the Move’, which focuses on the localised use of museum collections. Both initiatives prioritise making art an integral part of everyday life for the city’s residents, enhancing access and democratising culture.

The Challenge

The challenge is to bring arts and cultural performances into public spaces and engage with new audiences.

The Solution

The ‘Culture in the Alley’ series was conceived to move arts and cultural performances out of traditional concert halls, theatres, galleries and other professional venues, and into the public spaces of Taipei City’s 12 administrative districts. These activities are jointly organised by the Taipei Chinese Orchestra, the Taipei Symphony Orchestra, and the Taipei City Arts Promotion Office.

This annual program of performances include theatre, music and dance, taking place in local parks, playgrounds, and even streets and alleys, bringing a wide array of performances closer to people’s daily lives. Approximately 120 performances are held each year, with new, diverse events occurring each weekend. Between 2017 and 2021, a total of 575 performances were staged, attracting 230,000 people. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, 92 events took place in 2021, drawing over 29,000 people. This initiative has bridged the gap between people and various performing art forms.

‘Bringing Art into the Community’ ran from 2010 to 2018 and was organized by the Taipei Fine Arts Museum (TFAM), with support from the Taipei City Government. This project helped communities discover unique local art experiences. In 2020, it evolved into ‘TFAM on the Move’, transforming various districts across Taipei into art museums. Each year, a different district is selected, and suitable TFAM collections are transported to the chosen area. These collections are exhibited in diverse settings, including schools, community centres, hospitals and nursing homes. They are complemented by a program led by education staff.

The target audience for this initiative is the elderly, offering them a starting point for artistic expression, encouraging the sharing of memories, and potentially mitigating dementia. Activities include workshops where invited artists collaborate with residents. Simple interventions such as playing music or interactive Q&A sessions initiate discussions, foster participation, and create a sense of togetherness. As TFAM has evolved, the museum’s art education program has become more comprehensive, prompting it to rethink and adjust its services.

The Impact

The intersection of health and arts activities in this endeavour is supported by scientific research. In 2019, a study conducted by University College London, published in the British Medical Journal, found that 6,710 British adults over the age of 50 had a 31% lower risk of mortality if they engaged in arts and cultural activities every few months or more.

This work also extends its impact to the broader community. It involves showcasing museum objects and art created by residents together in district offices and other venues. This approach highlights local culture, enabling artistic expression to extend beyond the confines of museum walls. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these efforts were expanded into new digital formats, providing a wider reach and creating a new type of community museum.

Source: World Cities Culture Report 2022