The Museum of Fiber Arts, in collaboration with the Watersource Cultural and Educational Foundation, proudly presents "Dyeing Landscapes: The Indigo Festival and the Collective Memory of Toubiankeng"—a special exhibition that highlights the power of traditional craft in community revitalization.

 Centered on the heritage art of indigo dyeing, the exhibition invites visitors to step into Toubiankeng, a hillside village in Taiping District, Taichung, and explore its remarkable recovery journey after the 921 Earthquake. From post-disaster rebuilding to the creation of the award-winning local brand "Taiping Blue," the exhibition tells a compelling story of resilience, creativity, and sustainable living through craft.

 Running through June 29, the exhibition offers a cultural journey where indigo dyeing symbolizes the deep connection between people and the land.

 Hui-hua Jian, Director of the Museum of Fiber Arts, shared that this exhibition is part of the museum’s new series “Natural Dyeing × Local Strength.” Following the success of the first exhibition, Indigo Time: Historical Weavings of Sanxia, this second installment was co-curated with the Watersource Cultural and Educational Foundation. It focuses on how the Toubiankeng community embraced indigo dyeing after the 921 Earthquake as a way to rebuild and renew their village, eventually launching the unique brand “Taiping Blue.”

 The exhibition’s five sections—Weaving the Landscape, The Art of Craftsmanship, Weaving the Scenery, Indigo Festival, and Symbiotic Cycle—each reveal a unique aspect of Toubiankeng’s revival through craft and community.

 “Indigo dyeing is more than a traditional skill—it’s a way of life,” said Director Jian. “From the skilled hands of local mothers to the innovative ideas of returning youth, this craft brings people together.” She hopes visitors will experience the natural beauty and cultural richness behind indigo dyeing, while also understanding how sustainable practices can be part of modern lifestyles, bridging tradition and contemporary life.

 In-yu Yeh, Chairperson of the Watersource Cultural and Educational Foundation, noted that the community’s recovery after the 921 Earthquake was a long and difficult process. Yet, through dedication to natural dyeing and brand development, Toubiankeng created “Taiping Blue”—a local identity that has gained recognition both in Taiwan and internationally. This exhibition is the first comprehensive showcase of their journey and achievements, demonstrating how a small community’s traditional craft can find new life in creative design and global appeal.

 An immersive installation, designed to evoke a flowing stream, anchors the exhibition and highlights a decade of Taiping Blue’s creativity across fashion, art, and craft. Also featured are community projects from past Indigo Festivals, and a special section titled “Dyeing Villages,” which introduces how local farmers and artisans use leaves from lychee, longan, and loquat crops to make natural dyes—an innovative system that reduces agricultural waste while promoting eco-friendly practices.

 “Dyeing Landscapes: The Indigo Festival and the Collective Memory of Toubiankeng” is on view until June 29 at the Museum of Fiber Arts. Other current exhibitions include Tshiú-Lōo: Island Life in Rattan Craft and Memory in the Clouds: Exploring the Atayal Horizontal Backstrap Loom. Weekend hands-on activities are also available for visitors of all ages.

 For more information, please visit the museum’s official website: https://mofia.taichung.gov.tw/

Or follow the museum’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mofiataichung