The Cultural Affairs Bureau, Taichung City Government is hosting the “2026 Taichung Cultural and Creative Design Joint Exhibition” and the “TCOD Taichung Original Pop-Up Market” from October 6 to 18 at Taichung Prefectural Hall, a historic landmark that has undergone restoration and revitalization.

The exhibition brings together outstanding cultural and creative brands and showcase creative projects across the city government. Visitors can also join the “Urban Empathy Stroll”, a stamp-collecting activity connecting cultural attractions in the surrounding historic city center. Those who collect stamps at all five designated locations can redeem a limited-edition gift at the main exhibition venue in Taichung Prefectural Hall while exploring the city’s historical character and creative energy.

Shih Chun-Fu, Deputy Director-General of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, said the exhibition is curated by Andrew Huang, founder of TAGather Goods. Under the theme “The T-City of Creative Futures”. Held at Taichung Prefectural Hall, established in 1913, the exhibition brings the city’s century-old heritage into dialogue with contemporary creativity. The five exhibition zones showcase creative projects from across the city government. The curatorial concept explores the connections among talent, industry, spaces, lifestyles, and public policy, and gathers the elements in a development model that integrates urban governance with creative practice.

Highlights include businesses and products from the Labor Affairs Bureau’s “Young Entrepreneurs, Building Dreams in Taichung” startup residency program; “The Owl Bird”, an animated adaptation of a Hakka-language picture book featured by the Hakka Affairs Commission, and the “2026 Top 10 Souvenirs of Taichung City” initiative presented by the Industrial Development and Investment Promotion Committee of Taichung City. Other participating agencies also illustrate the diversity and vitality of Taichung’s cultural and creative industries.

Huang explained that “T” represents professionals who combine deep expertise in one field with broad knowledge across disciplines. It also symbolizes Taichung’s ability to connect people, industries, and ideas across sectors. With its well-established talent development system, strong manufacturing base, and high-quality public spaces, Taichung provides an ecosystem that supports creativity and helps local ideas reach global markets.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau notes that the exhibition also features the results of this year’s cultural and creative industry support program. One highlight is “Oura Ark,” a product created through a collaboration between OURA, a winner in the 2024 TCOD Creative Lifestyle category, and designer Chou Yu-jui. Designed to bring the forest indoors, the product provides the light, airflow, and water they need, reflecting an approach to sustainability.

The 13-day “TCOD Taichung Original” pop-up market features 27 cultural and creative brands, including this year’s selected brands and feature brands from previous years. Their offerings span home décor, personal accessories, and food culture. Featured designs highlight the creative potential of material reuse and sustainable design. Those unable to attend the event in person are welcome to visit the official TCOD website for the featured products.