Richmondites are invited to join TAIWANfest, an annual festival that aims to promote, not only Taiwanese culture, but South Korea as well, through art installations, and musical performances.
“This year’s event, which focuses on having a dialogue between Taiwan and South Korea, is going to help Canadians gain more understanding and rethink Asia from a different perspective,” said Charlie Wu, managing director of the Asian-Canadian Special Events Association.
Young Tae Choi, a pastor with Richmond Presbyterian Church, will be invited as a speaker to talk about his life journey and Korean culture to inspire people from different cultural backgrounds to connect.
“This event isn’t just about the music you are going to hear, the food you will enjoy but more about embracing different cultures,” said Choi.
As an artist himself, Choi has been deeply involved in Richmond’s art community and got to know Wu and TAIWANfest two years ago through a church friend.
Choi’s ties to Taiwan didn’t just end there. Later, he was given a chance to collaborate with talented Taiwanese Canadian youth on a project at Vancouver Taiwanese Presbyterian Church.
“It has been so much pleasure working with them. Those young talents’ honesty, creativity, imagination and relentless dedication to contribute to the local society inspire me,” said Choi.
Feeling inspired by the Taiwanese young generation’s spirits, Choi decided to collaborate with Wu this year.
Wu said TAIWANfest has connected with different Asian countries over the past few years, including Japan, Vietnam and The Philippines.
This year, South Korea will join the conversation because both Taiwan and South Korea are built on a democratic foundation.
The event, lasting from Sept. 4 to 12, will allow Taiwanese and Korean families to further connect with their roots and also welcome people from different backgrounds to explore, added Wu.
For more information, visit https://vancouvertaiwanfest.ca/.
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