The annual “Young Voices” exhibition, organized by the Taichung City Government's Cultural Affairs Bureau, brings together art departments from universities across Northern, Central, and Southern Taiwan. It will be held from May 18 to June 4 at the Dadun Cultural Center. Deputy Secretary-general Chang Ta-chuen, representing Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, attended and presented certificates of appreciation to the participating academic institutions. He also extended his thanks to the local partner galleries and organizations that have provided exhibition platforms. Special appreciation was given to Ms. Wu Mian-zhen for her financial support, which will allow young artists to showcase their work at ART TAICHUNG 2025 this July. The public is warmly invited to explore and experience the limitless creative potential.
The chief curator, Professor Chen Yi-fan from the Department of Fine Arts at National Changhua University of Education, said that the “Young Voices” exhibition originated in 2013 as a joint graduation exhibition of seven universities held at Fuxing Barn in Changhua. Since 2014, it has been organized by the Taichung City Government’s Cultural Affairs Bureau and has steadily grown in scale. Now in its 12th year, the exhibition has grown to include 11 schools and 13 departments, with 146 emerging artists participating this year. The exhibition has become a rising force in Taiwan’s art scene, becoming a significant indicator of contemporary art in Taichung. The works presented this year span various forms, including painting, ink painting, ceramics, sculpture, installation, mixed media, and digital art. These works, recommended by the respective universities, showcase the creative voices and ideas of the new generation of artists. The unique styles and characteristics of each department come together in the exhibition space, sparking inspiration and creating new opportunities for dialogue between contemporary art and the public.
The Cultural Affairs Bureau highlighted that the value of “Young Voices” lies in providing young creators with a space to “speak their first words.” For participants transitioning from academia to an artistic career, this exhibition is more than just a showcase of their work; it’s a first public confession, where they openly share their inner thoughts with the public. Through their art, they express uncertain directions, raw emotions, and budding beliefs, making each edition of the exhibition filled with surprises and infinite possibilities. Furthermore, the Cultural Affairs Bureau noted that it will continue partnering with the Taiwan Art Gallery Association to select and recommend emerging artists to participate in the ART TAICHUNG. Additionally, the “Art Star Collaboration Program” will keep expanding its reach by connecting emerging artists with local galleries across Taichung. This program not only creates more exposure opportunities for the new generation of artists but also offer increased visibility and real-world experience, while invigorating the local gallery scene and fostering further artistic exploration!
The Dadun Cultural Center noted that this year’s exhibition showcases artworks that reflect the unique styles and creative voices of emerging artists. Calligraphy pieces by Chun Yu-Xuan, Wang Yi-Jia, and Xu Zhi-Cheng from the Department of Painting and Calligraphy Arts at National Taiwan University of Arts reveal clear artistic identities and conceptual depth. “Meet,” a Nihonga-style painting by Lai Shi-Yun from Tunghai University’s Department of Fine Arts, demonstrates exquisite detail—from the characters’ facial expressions and hairstyles to their accessories—offering viewers a refreshing visual experience. Meanwhile, installation works by Huang Jun-Ye and video pieces by Lu Xiang-Wei from Yuan Ze University’s Department of Art and Design are infused with thoughtful reflections on social issues, close observations of daily life, and imaginative visions of the future. The diversity of works on display not only reveals the emotional depth and creative energy of a new generation of artists but also highlights the distinct styles of each academic institution and the evolving artistic language across generations.
The Dadun Cultural Center further emphasized that “Young Voices” is more than just an exhibition—it’s a nationwide platform for emerging talent, powered by collaboration among industry, government, and academia. This year’s exhibition runs from now until June 4 and is on view across Galleries I to VI at the Dadun Cultural Center. Art lovers are warmly invited to explore the creativity and energy of Taiwan’s next generation of artists. For more information, please visit the official website of the Dadun Cultural Center: www.dadun.culture.taichung.gov.tw.