Co-Sea Art Festival in Turtle Island and Toucheng, Yilan - The Birth of the Turtle God

Project Team

Leader: Tsoi Mang Ting (AIRI Fellow)

Member: Sea belongings

Background and Introduction

The Co-Sea Art Festival is a project initiated by a sociology student, Tsoi Mang Ting, aiming to reshape the relationship between humans, their surroundings, and urban and rural spaces through artistic exploration of Turtle Island and Yilan. Partnering with Sea Belongings and IHwa Eva LIN, an independent curator, the festival proposes a fusion of artistic expression and cultural revival against the backdrop of Turtle Island’s marine ecological park and Yilan’s fishing-centric economy. Its focus is on providing artistic opportunities, enriching cultural capital, and raising environmental awareness among children in rural communities.

Guided by Latour's Actor-Network Theory, the project aims to nurture a holistic perspective, moving away from human-centric thinking. The project strategically incorporates artist residencies, art workshops, and public art installations to ensure community involvement, particularly from children, fostering creativity, pride, and a deep connection to their cultural heritage. It aims to have a substantial impact on increasing environmental awareness, stimulating economic growth, and strengthening community resilience. With a focus on documenting outcomes and best practices, the proposal seeks to contribute to the formulation of policies promoting arts education in rural areas.

Project Site

Turtle Island and Toucheng, Yilan, Taiwan

Proposed Project Actions and Deliverables

• Establish a 3-month artist residency program where artists create works related to project themes and engage with the community to gain local insights.
• Organize art workshops led by artists and teachers to guide children and residents in exploring concepts and techniques.
• Collaborate to create public art reflecting the exhibition's theme and enhance the artistic atmosphere in the region.
• Curate a one-month exhibition focusing on a reimagined portrayal of marine life, emphasizing equal cohabitation and co-production with humans, with professional curators and artists.
• Utilize negotiation theatre for community discussions on topics including environmental preservation, education, and sustainability.