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On March 7, 2025, the usually tranquil Jinzun in Taitung sparkled with stars, as luminaries from the art, culture, and business sectors gathered for a celebration that radiated warmth, kindness, and beauty.
Three to four decades ago, artist Paul Chiang envisioned opening his studio to the public one day as a “small contribution” to society. After twelve years of planning and dedication, Paul Chiang and his wife, Mrs. Claire Fan, poured their hearts and resources into transforming the original corrugated iron shed studio into a full-fledged art center (hereafter referred to as the Center), which officially opened to the public on March 15.
A Dream Backed by Many, Carried Forward Through Public Good
Stanley Yen first thanked each entrepreneur who had sponsored the construction of the park, the team from the Paul Chiang Arts and Cultural Foundation responsible for its operation, the board of the Alliance Cultural Foundation, and the collectors who had donated their beloved artworks to the park's collection. He then shared a story. Over a decade ago, while giving a speech in San Francisco, he met Professor Teresa H. Meng, a pioneer in the field of technology. She expressed her hope to give back to her homeland, Taiwan, in the next chapter of her life. At the time, Stanley Yen and artist Paul Chiang had only just begun to envision the creation of an art park. Professor Meng had purchased a piece from Paul Chiang’s Paciliwan series, but for a long time, she never requested that it be delivered. She said, “Don’t you and Mr. Chiang have a dream? When the park opens, let this be the very first donated artwork in the collection.”
From that moment on, as the dream gradually took shape, goodwill from all directions began to converge into a powerful force. As Taitung County Magistrate April Yao said in her speech, “I believe the energy born here will continue to grow, allowing the artistic spirit of Taitung and Taiwan to connect with the world. We are fortunate to witness and be part of this turning point, and we hope more people will pass the torch and carry this spirit and love forward.”
Following three years of construction, the park was completed. Co-founders—artist Paul Chiang (center) and Stanley Yen, Chairman of The Alliance Cultural Foundation (far right)—were joined by numerous sponsors at the opening press conference. Simon Lin (third from right), Chairman of the Wistron Foundation, also attended to extend his congratulations.
The Magic of Art, A Platform for Culture
Famous art critic Fumio Nanjo, who first met Paul Chiang in Taitung in 2014, said it was a great honor to curate the park’s inaugural exhibition. Smiling, he added, “Even for a seasoned curator, such an opportunity is truly invaluable.” He felt he had become part of both the park’s and Taitung’s history. “This park will be a vital platform where people meet, learn, and spark creativity. Every supporter contributes not just to art, but to the community and society.” Drawing from his experience in Japan, he noted that art has the power to transform places—“because art has magic.”
As the final speaker, Paul Chiang began by expressing his heartfelt gratitude: “Without your support, Stanley [Yen] and I would still just be dreaming.” He then shared a “small wish” from his heart: “I hope that when people come to this park we’ve so carefully built within the natural beauty of Taitung, each and every one of them will feel deeply happy, sensing that many beautiful things are happening. May they leave with renewed hope—for themselves, for tomorrow, and for this land—believing that a better day will come.”
A museum personally envisioned and created by a living artist is a rare sight anywhere in the world. Once a private studio, it has now been transformed into a public space. Fumio Nanjo describes the art park as a “starting point of history.” Within it lie traces of Paul Chiang’s creative journey and personal life over the past decades. From this point forward, visitors’ participation will become part of the park’s ongoing story—helping to write new chapters in its evolving history.
Opening Exhibition Curated by Renowned Guest Curator Fumio Nanjo
Nestled between the mountains and the sea in Jinzun, Taitung, the Paul Chiang Art Center is set to open on Saturday, March 15, after years of anticipation from both the public and the art community. Situated along the serene Pacific coastline, the Center is an expansion of renowned artist Paul Chiang’s former studio. Merging nature, art, and architecture, the project was co-designed by Chiang and Yu-Han Michael Lin, an architect practicing in both Taiwan and Germany. Co-founder Stanley Yen will serve as the Center’s director. The opening exhibition is curated by esteemed art critic Fumio Nanjo, a leading figure in the international art world and special advisor to the Mori Art Museum in Tokyo. Artist Chi Chia-Hua joins as co-curator.
Paul Chiang Art Center
Opening Exhibition: Light, Beauty, and Purification
Exhibition Dates: March 15 – September 28 Venue: No. 132-2, Jinzun, Donghe Township, Taitung County Opening Hours: Wednesday to Monday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Related Links
The Alliance Cultural Foundation
(Content excerpt and photo credit: The Paul Chiang Arts and Cultural Foundation. All rights reserved.)