Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government

This year (2024), the Taipei City Government Department for Youth has invited young artists from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain to participate in a residency program in Taipei starting this December. These artists will conduct field research in local neighborhoods and collaborate with Taipei residents to create graffiti art in three locations: Ding Shuo Li in Wanhua District, Tianmu Baseball Stadium, and Taipei Zoo. The initiative aims to breathe new life into Taipei’s urban landscape.

Wandering through the alleys of Taipei, one might overlook the seemingly ordinary streetscapes that carry countless stories of its citizens. The Department for Youth highlights that graffiti art is an important platform for showcasing individuality and character. In recent years, graffiti has evolved from a rebellious subculture to a mainstream form of self-expression among the youth. This year's program, themed "FLOW: Youth in Colors," invites artists to explore the unique characteristics of urban spaces through their distinctive perspectives, while engaging with local historians and community groups. Emphasizing the concept of "inclusivity," the program seeks to deepen observations and creative expressions of Taipei's living spaces through collaboration with local communities and young creators.

The graffiti artworks will be created in three key locations: the unused spaces of Ding Shuo Li in Wanhua District, Tianmu Baseball Stadium, and Taipei Zoo. Dutch artist FLEKS, Belgian artist ENOFone, and Spanish artist ORBITA will work hand-in-hand with Taipei residents to complete the projects. According to the Department for Youth, Taiwan has cultivated a growing number of graffiti artists with unique styles. This initiative not only provides opportunities for street art learning but also aims to inject creativity into the city and foster collaboration and cultural exchange among domestic and international artists through residency interactions.

A series of workshops will also take place during the program. On December 8, Dutch artist FLEKS will lead a workshop titled "My Name, My Style," guiding participants in designing their unique signatures and expressing their personalities through colors and lines. On December 9, Belgian artist ENOFone will collaborate with community members to incorporate local culture into stencil designs and mural creations, drawing inspiration from the history of Wanhua’s glass factories. Both workshops are open for public registration ([link] and [link]). Additionally, the Department for Youth will host an exchange workshop led by ORBITA in December. Citizens are warmly invited to join and experience the charm of graffiti art. For workshop schedules, venues, and further details, please refer to the latest announcements on the Department for Youth's official website.