Toronto 
Events Description
Arts and culture go hand in hand. Culture is incomplete without music or the visual arts, while art conveys the spirit and identity of a people and their culture.
Self-Portraits of Formosa
When the Dutch East India Company (VOC) left Taiwan in 1662, 38 years of Dutch Colonization forever changed the island and its people. Four hundred years later, Taiwanese people still have mixed emotions when it comes to the identity of Taiwan. Yes, the Dutch are long gone, but where are the Taiwanese going?
Embark on a journey of migration, decolonization, and identity with TAIWANfest as we sail through the Era of Exploration and ask, what does our self-portrait look like?
Through a series of Hope Talks ranging from topics such as the Dutch trade in the 16th century to the feminist connection to female ghosts, the real face of Taiwan is revealed. Discover the sounds of Splendid Formosa by the National Chinese Orchestra of Taiwan, sharing the beautiful sound of the island nation through traditional Chinese instruments. Listen to how No One is an Outsider with Indigenous DJ Dungi Sapor as she combines the traditional cultural melodies of her tribe with contemporary electronic bass and collaborates with Asian-Canadian artist Aiko Tomi. Witness the many perspectives and identities conveyed through our Self-Portraits Gallery created by artists of all walks of life, such as the limitless imagination of the youth, the perseverance of those fighting against health stigma, and the struggles and triumphs of Asian-Canadian immigrant painters. Enjoy a cultural mashup in Belonging, featuring Juno-nominated Ginalina, classical Chinese musician Amely Zhou, and Korean gayageum musician Roa Lee.
Hope Talks
Why are female ghosts so terrifying, and what do they have to do with Taiwanese culture? What do you know about the Taiwanese diaspora in Southeast Asia? And how do we transcend the historical contexts of museums to see our community’s future path?
TAIWANfest invites speakers with a vast variety of expertise to share new and different perspectives on history. The time-worn items inside museums are still relevant to our society today, as we’ll find out in Unveiling the National Palace Museum. The untold stories of how the Taiwanese diaspora adapted during Japanese colonial rule will be explored in Unearthing Formosa. Indigenous DJ Dungi Sapor will share how she is breaking new ground by using electronic music to preserve her culture and how through creativity, No one is an outsider. Not for the faint of heart, Unveiling Women: Ghostly Tales from Taiwan dives into how female ghosts in folklore connect with Taiwan’s feminist movement.
DJ Dungi Sapor and the NCO
Music transcends culture and lets us know each other on an intimate level. At TAIWANfest, music performances are always a highlight, taking us on new journeys across cultures, generations, and oceans.
Experience the enchanting sounds of the traditional Chinese instruments, layered with years of history. Leave your expectations at the door, and discover the evolution and innovation of classical Eastern music interwoven with the flair of Western music. Always striving to break through musical barriers and worldly boundaries, the National Chinese Orchestra of Taiwan will take us through the beautiful scenery of Splendid Formosa. Try something new and dance along with DJ Dungi Sapor, hailing from the Amis tribe, as she raises the roof of the festival with her original mixes. Feel the beat where traditional culture and contemporary electronic bass comes together. She’ll be taking the stage with Aiko Tomi, a Taiwanese-Japanese musician from Canada. Through her music, she’ll show us how No one is an outsider.
Music lovers, don’t miss out on the diverse lineup of performances at TAIWANfest this year!
Who is it for?
All ages
HOW MUCH
Tickets : Free
Free
How to get tickets?
At the door: FREE
WHEN & WHERE
Date: Friday August 25 to Sunday August 27, 2023
Friday 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday 12:00pm – 10:00 pm
Sunday 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Venue & Address
Harbourfront Center, 235 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2G8
Wheelchair accessible
Accessible by Public Transport
