Former TNUA President Chen Kai-Huang Announces Run for Chiayi Mayor, Promotes Aesthetic Movement

(CNA reporter Huang Kuo-Chang, Chiayi City, June 16) Chen Kai-Huang, former president of Taipei National University of the Arts, announced today his candidacy for Chiayi mayor. He advocates transforming 40 years of artistic practice into concrete urban governance tools and promoting the '2026 Chiayi Aesthetic Movement' to reshape public spaces through sensory perception.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chiayi mayoral candidate and legislator Wang Mei-Hui stated that as long as candidates meet eligibility requirements, everyone has the right to run. In a democratic society, she respects everyone's political participation rights and freedom to run for office.

Chang Chi-Kai, the mayoral candidate jointly supported by the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan People's Party (TPP), said in a press release that the most valuable aspect of a democratic society is the willingness of more outstanding individuals to engage in public affairs and contribute to local development. He welcomed and expressed joy at all those who care about and love Chiayi joining hands to fight for Chiayi's future.

Chen held a press conference today to announce his independent candidacy in the 2026 Chiayi mayoral election. He unveiled his campaign theme: 'This time, let's make Chiayi beautiful!' (in Hoklo: 'This time, we'll make Chiayi shine!'). He emphasized that this is not merely a political election but a movement crucial to shaping Chiayi's society and advancing urban governance.

In his press release, Chen stated that traditional piecemeal and short-term policy approaches are fundamentally incapable of withstanding the impending tsunami of population decline. If Chiayi City does not comprehensively evolve and reshape itself in time, this historically rich 'livable city'—once known for its timber heritage—could swiftly become an 'unlivable city' collapsing due to dysfunctional public systems and industrial hollowing.

Chen advocates introducing a new conceptual framework, transforming 40 years of artistic practice into concrete tools for urban governance, and promoting the '2026 Chiayi Aesthetic Movement' to reshape public spaces through sensory perception. He stressed that politics should not merely be cold administrative data but a collective sensory experience of urban space shared by all citizens. (Editor: Chang Ming-Kun) 1150616

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