The Taichung City Government continues to advance international arts and cultural exchange, opening a new chapter! On August 9, Mayor Lu Shiow-Yen led the city government team to Brisbane, Australia, where she presided over the opening ceremony of the 2025 Taichung Da Dun Fine Arts Exchange Exhibition(2025臺中市大墩美展文化交流展). Originating as a city-based art exhibition, the Da Dun Fine Arts Exhibition has in recent years successfully expanded onto the international stage. This marks its first large-scale presentation in Brisbane, garnering significant attention from various sectors in Australia.

The opening ceremony successfully drew the attendance of numerous guests, including Julie-Ann Campbell, Federal Member for Moreton; John-Paul Langbroek, Minister for Education and the Arts of Queensland; James Martin, Member of Parliament; Mrs. Nina Schrinner, wife of the Lord Mayor of Brisbane; Steven Huang(黃文毅), Brisbane City Council Deputy Chair; Jon Raven, Mayor of Logan City; as well as Aunty Peggy Tidyman, an aboriginal representative and multicultural artist. Several council members from both Brisbane and Logan were also present to extend their congratulations. The grand occasion stood as a shared witness to Taichung’s remarkable step onto the international arts stage.

The Da Dun Fine Arts Exhibition is one of Taiwan’s most representative art competitions. Since last year, its total prize fund has been increased to NT$5.69 million, underscoring the city’s commitment to supporting artistic development. This visit not only reflects Taichung City’s strong dedication and sincerity in fostering international arts and cultural exchange but also actively brings the city’s outstanding artistic creations to the global stage, fostering deeper connections between cities.

Mayor Lu emphasized, “Taichung is the only city in Taiwan where the local government proactively organizes and consistently promotes the overseas exhibition of award-winning works from its fine arts competition.” She noted that this steadfast commitment represents Taichung’s most distinctive form of cultural diplomacy. Returning to Australia after a 14-year hiatus to engage in face-to-face exchange on behalf of Taichung is deeply meaningful, she added, extending her special thanks to Fo Guang Shan Chung Tian Temple(佛光山中天寺) and overseas Taiwanese communities for their invaluable support.

This exchange exhibition features 60 carefully selected works from the Da Dun Fine Arts Exhibition’s collection, spanning a diverse range of mediums including ink wash painting, calligraphy, oil painting, sculpture, and crafts.

Accompanying the Taiwanese delegation are three distinguished artists, each with their characteristics: Master Huang Yi-Han(黃義和) specializes in calligraphy and ink painting, and is dedicated to calligraphy education for overseas Chinese communities; Master Cheng Tai-Le(程代勒) is a versatile creator proficient in ink painting, calligraphy, and seal engraving; and Master Hsiao Shih-Chiung(蕭世瓊), a winner of the Da Dun Fine Arts Exhibition, has long-standing artistic ties with Australia. At the opening ceremony, the three masters jointly demonstrated their artistry in calligraphy, presenting the essence of Taiwan’s fine arts to the delight and admiration of the attending guests. Mayor Lu particularly noted that Master Hsiao’s journey—from winning the Da Dun Fine Arts Exhibition to becoming an internationally renowned artist—serves as the best testament to the Da Dun Arts Exhibition’s role in cultivating local talent and connecting them to the global art stage.

Looking ahead, Mayor Lu extended a sincere invitation to international friends, announcing that the Taichung Art Museum will officially open on December 13 this year. She expressed hope for increased opportunities for collaboration with Australia in the future and warmly welcomed everyone to visit Taichung in person to experience this ever-evolving cultural city.

This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Da Dun Fine Arts Exhibition. To celebrate, the city government is expanding the festivities through a “dual domestic and international exhibition” format. The international part began with this cultural exchange exhibition in Australia, running until September 7. On the other hand, from November 29 to December 17, the Da Dun Fine Arts Exhibition 30th Anniversary – Masterpieces Special Exhibition” will be held at the Dadun Cultural Center, creating a grand artistic celebration both at home and abroad. The public is encouraged to stay tuned for these events.