2020-02-12

Taiwan Crafts Spectrum Shines in March at Internationale Handwerksmesse 2020 in Munich, Germany

From March 11th to 15th, 2020, the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute (NTCRI) will exhibit under the theme of "Taiwan Crafts Spectrum" at the Internationale Handwerksmesse in Munich, Germany. With a total of 20 artworks in different fields (lacquer, bamboo, entwining art, ceramics, metalworking/enamel and rush grass) by 14 artists, and the 36 Patterns of Triangle Rush Weaving, made by the Taitung Prison, Agency of Corrections, Ministry of Justice. Last but not least, six highly skilled demonstrative performance artisans (creation materials: lacquer weaving, lacquer carving, bamboo weaving, natural dyeing, entwining flowers and leather carving), the "Taiwan Pavilion" shows the style and charm of Taiwanese craftsmanship at booth 130, Hall B2. During the "Taiwan Day" event, NTCRI invites local artisans and arts institutions to visit the Taiwan Pavilion and exchange ideas. It is hoped that at this grand event, crafts lovers from all over the world will see the diverse craft cultures nurtured by Taiwan's abundant natural resources and history and make the craftsmanship and the beauty of Taiwan deeply rooted in the hearts of every visitor.
NTCRI is the only official craft institution in Taiwan. It has a long history dating back to 1935. In addition to fostering training and passing down tradition and heritage, it gives counsels to the local handicraft industry on improving quality and quantity. NTCRI participates in the Internationale Handwerksmesse 2020 for the first time aiming to promote the global visibility and competitiveness of Taiwanese craft culture. Other than introducing Taiwan’s distinctive and diverse crafting media and skills to artisans from all over the world, through the cluster effects of the four special exhibitions (TALENTE, EXEMPLA, SCHMUCK and MEISTER DER MODERNE) at Internationale Handwerksmesse Munich, NTCRI anticipates to promote the marvelous creativity and ingenuity of Taiwanese artisans. With the participation, Taiwan's crafts culture aims to leave a fantastic record in the world's oldest international crafts fair. For the exhibition and NTCRI, it is not only groundbreaking but also of great historical significance.
The Internationale Handwerksmesse annually held in March is the oldest international craft exhibition in the world. It has been in operation for more than 70 years and offers one of the most crucial exchanges and gathering places in the global craft industry. Beside the commercial nature of B2B and B2C, the themed Hall (on the official website it is listed as an exhibition) of "craftsmanship and design" provides an ideal environment for cultural exchanges. In 2019, the exhibition attracted more than 1,000 exhibitors from 31 countries and more than 110,000 visitors.