On October 23, Taiwan Contemporary Culture Lab (C-LAB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Japan's National Center for Art Research (NCAR) to engage in the cultivation of curatorial and administrative talent and promote international artistic exchange, opening new avenues of Taiwan-Japan collaboration in art.
Since its establishment in 2018, C-LAB has positioned itself as a hub for cultural experimentation. It actively develops interdisciplinary experiments in contemporary art, media technology, and social innovation, supporting and nurturing the creative endeavors of domestic artists. This not only aids in the diverse development of the arts ecosystem but also strives to serve as an international platform for contemporary cultural exchange.
The National Center for Art Research (NCAR) is an administrative body of Japan's Independent Administrative Institution National Museum of Art, launched in 2023 to create a base for advancing Japanese art. It brings together domestic and international art museums, research institutions, and various sectors of society through research, collection and dissemination of knowledge, application and promotion of art collections, establishing human networks, expanding learning, and supporting activities of artists. Mami KATAOKA is the Center’s inaugural Director.
Signing of an MOU and ushering in a New Phase in East Asian Art
Mami KATAOKA visited C-LAB on October 23rd to sign an MOU with PENG Chun-Heng, Chairperson of the Taiwan Living Arts Foundation. KATAOKA noted that “we face similar challenges and opportunities in contemporary art, and with this collaboration, we raise opportunities for both parties while promoting a shared vision in the international arena.”
PENG expressed gratitude to KATAOKA for recognizing C-LAB. Since both C-LAB and NCAR are forward-thinking organizations, the signing of this MOU symbolizes that the strong friendship between Taiwan and Japan has transitioned from the present to the future. Henceforth, both sides shall not only step up exchanges in curatorial and arts administration, but also collectively apply cultural resources and respective strengths to allow curators, artists, creators, and arts administration experts to flourish on the international stage.
Cultivating Young Curatorial Talent and Promoting Cross-National Collaboration
NCAR and C-LAB's potential future collaborations include international curatorial workshops, cross-border study visits, and curatorial training programs. These programs cover not just curatorial expertise, but also worldwide topics in technology, environment, and cultural diversity, seeking to inject international perspectives and impart professional skills among young curators. They will also drive knowledge and resource sharing between art institutions of East Asia, creating a professional forum for interaction between new generations of curators and developing innovative curatorial models to breathe new life into art communities.
C-LAB Executive Director HSIEH Tsui-Yu noted that we look forward to collaborating with NCAR and the innovative projects and creative opportunities it will bring, as C-LAB continues to shine as a platform that connects Taiwan with international art communities and fosters in-depth cross-cultural exchanges.
Please refer to the media kit for more information： Media Kit