Cultural Conference Regional Forum in Hualien Focuses on Sustainability and Local Cultural Preservation

(Central News Agency reporter Zhang Qi, Hualien County, June 5) The first regional forum of the Ministry of Culture's "National Cultural Conference" was held today at the Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park. With the theme "Future Mode," the forum explored the core spirit of sustainability, local cultural preservation, and development, gathering opinions through discussion to serve as a basis for cultural policy promotion.

Ministry of Culture Deputy Administrative Deputy Minister Hsu Yi-chun stated that the National Cultural Conference, under the theme "Future Mode," will use two professional forums to discuss strategies for the sustainable development of cultural talent and the application of cultural technology. It will also arrange four regional forums to discuss topics such as cultural power, cultural asset preservation, children's and youth cultural participation, and international cultural outreach. A comprehensive discussion will be held at the national conference on September 20 to jointly outline the policy blueprint for the "Cultural Future Generation" of 2030.

The Ministry of Culture stated that this year's regional forums will begin with a "Special Topic Sharing" session, where speakers and panelists will share topics, followed by discussions with on-site and online audiences. The Eastern region forum invited Yu Chih-wei, General Manager of Fengshang Travel Agency and Earthworm Culture, to discuss using cultural pathways to construct new island narratives and local daily life.

Using the anime "Frieren: Beyond Journey's End" as an example, Yu Chih-wei argued that if tourism is based solely on sightseeing logic, visitors only take away photos. However, if cultural pathways and narratives are the main focus, visitors can take away "local culture and wisdom," providing a reference for cultural policy and travel planning.

Moli Ka'ti, owner of the Pising Heart Bookstore, which was severely damaged by the Matayian River barrier lake disaster, shared during the "Local Cultural Power" discussion that she heard about the value of indigenous culture and spirituality. She reminded herself and other indigenous people to re-understand the rich culture they possess, saying, "Thank you for making indigenous culture visible."

The meeting also discussed the cultural asset preservation issues faced by all counties and cities, including difficulties in human resources and technical inheritance, as well as the possibilities and limitations of AI-assisted preservation. Chen Shun-tian, President of the Republic of China Traditional Craftsmen Industry Association, noted that all current forms will determine all future forms.

The theme of children's and youth cultural participation was also included. Wen Hui-wen, Chairperson of the Cloud Gate Dance School, shared that culture and art are ways to understand the world. If they can continue to spread on campus, perhaps in the AI era, people will not fear the birth of only answers without the formation of understanding.

Finally, regarding the topic of international cultural participation, Keng Yi-wei, Theater Consultant at the Weiwuying National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts, stated, "Cultural exchange is more like falling in love." He explained it is not about solving problems but creating them and is the beginning of responsibility. Therefore, whether official or private, cultural exchange requires a passionate host who builds networks over the long term without expecting anything in return.

Wu Chi-chuan, curator for the Paris Cultural Olympiad and the Osaka World Expo, said cultural exchange is more like a bridge, moving from understanding and trust to distance. Taiwan needs a cumulative and sustainable cultural exchange system, "so that the world remembers a Taiwan with cultural subjectivity."

The Ministry of Culture stated that regional forums will be held in Taipei, Tainan, and Taichung on June 9, 12, and 16, respectively. Registration for all regional forums is open. In addition to in-person participation, all sessions will be live-streamed on the Ministry of Culture's official YouTube channel, and opinions will be collected in real-time using the Slido platform. Details can be found on the "National Cultural Conference" official website. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150605