WeR Art Village was established in 2022. It is located in the Weiwuying Metropolitan Park, and adjacent to the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Weiwuying). The name WeR of the art village has a homophonic sound in the Taiwanese language of Weiwuying, and the R refers to the name of the Building R, formerly known as one of the three military barracks. The WeR is a concept that exists because of artists and art. In addition to the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts, the WeR team hopes that this art village will provide a platform for more artists to create and express themselves.

There are 8 long-term artists in residence in the village, and Spring Wind Art Theatre and Blank Innovations Studio are stationed in the administrative office to assist the operation of the entire art village. The facilities include a dance studio/rehearsal room, an exhibition space, a recreation room, a venue for lectures and activities, and a recital hall available for rent.

WeR benefits from its geographic location. Covering 47 hectares, the Weiwuying Metropolitan Park is the largest urban ecology park in southern Taiwan. Some buildings in the park were constructed for military training. The park is enriched by biodiversity. Many species have been spotted within the premise. Surrounded by inclusive playgrounds, leisure sections, and lake view, artists and performing groups can wander, contemplate, and observe daily in their creative processes. In WeR, creators can feel the energy in nature, or develop their works in natural environments.

Besides National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts, the park is in proximity to other historical and cultural attractions, including Dadong Arts Center, Fongyi Academy, Pingcheng Fort, Caogong Temple, Caogong Canal, and Mi-Mi Street Art Village. Artists can also visit these places during their residencies.

WeR is one of the few art villages in Taiwan that connects to both performing arts and visual arts. Artists in residency often organize exhibitions, workshops, courses, performances, and group activities. Festivals in summer and autumn engage with residents and local communities. Collaborations often occur with performing groups or other tenants in the venue. For festival subsidies and further information, please visit WeR’s Facebook Page.

In general, the WeR aspires to become an art village within an ecosystem. The organization encourages artists interested in nature, environment, and sustainability issues to present their works. In the short run, the art village aims to improve the infrastructure, and welcome domestic creators to participate, and present their works innovatively. Later, the WeR hopes to expand local engagement and international collaborations. The management team will also visit other art villages, develop original productions, and tour its productions and exhibitions to other cities. The long-term objective is to combine the features of this park, natural ecosystem, art, and the potential of artists and to introduce the creativity of the art village and its intellectual property to the world. By inviting artists from various fields and disciplines to participate in residency and performances, WeR Art Village can inspire new artworks and create social impacts. Neighboring communities and visitors will access art more easily and broaden their horizons in the arts.

Sourced from: Spring Wind Art Theatre
Edited by: Brix