At the start of this academic year, the Northern Institute of Taiwan Studies (NorITS) at University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) lit up the Lancashire region with its vibrant and thought-provoking Taiwan Spotlight HOME Series. Supported by Spotlight Taiwan, this ambitious programme continued its momentum from Spring 2024 and celebrated Taiwanese culture and arts throughout the Autumn term. It featured a variety of cultural and artistic events under the overarching theme of “HOME”. From engaging discussions on queer identity to the majesty of marine wildlife, each event brought Taiwan closer to home for participants, bridging cultures and sparking meaningful dialogues.
On 23 September, the HOME X Queer strand explored the topical theme of LGBTQ+ identity through Taiwanese literature and cinema. This time, NorITS decided to hold its event in Manchester, the most vibrant and LGBTQ+-friendly city in Northern England. Held at HOME Manchester Cinema and the Manchester Central Library, participants had the chance to delve deeper into the fictional space that Kevin Chen – one of the most widely translated Taiwanese LGBTQ+ authors – created for his hometown/ghost-town, Yongjing. The animated discussions prompted by this strand resonated deeply with audiences. The screening of Eternal Summer (2006), directed by Leste Chen, provided a poignant lens through which to examine the complexities of queer relationships in Taiwan back in the early 2000s. Participants praised the event for its emotional depth and educational value:
“It was amazing! So informative and engaging. It introduced me to the portrayal of same-sex love in pre-2019 Taiwan.”
In October, we saw the arrival of HOME X Ocean, an awe-inspiring series of events addressing climate change, the impact of marine biodiversity, and oceanic cultural dispersal. A stunning photography exhibition at UCLan’s PR1 Gallery featuring cetacean photography by Ray Chin from Taiwan and Christopher Swann from the UK. The imagery captured the majesty and fragility of our oceans, leaving visitors spellbound.
Public talks, a roundtable discussion and the screening of Secrets of the Ocean Tribes (2022) added layers of depth to the theme. Audiences learned about the intricate connections between Indigenous communities and marine ecosystems, sparking rich discussions on conservation. The Young Talent Award, celebrating emerging ocean wildlife photographers, brought fresh energy to the series. Lily Ramsbottom, a marine biology student, took home the prize, highlighting the programme’s ability to inspire new voices in the environmental space.
This strand not only captivated attendees but also paved the way for future collaborations. UCLan’s Research Lead suggested exploring joint initiatives with the university’s Vet School, while the School of Arts and Media extended the exhibition due to its popularity – a true testament to its success.
The final strand, HOME X Environment, wrapped up the series with a two-day celebration of eco-literature and film. Taiwanese authors Chiou Charng-ting and Kao Yi-feng led masterclasses and roundtable discussions, exploring themes of locality, environmental degradation, and cultural/linguistic identities through creative writing. Students and attendees alike responded positively to the delivered events:
“The authors reflect on the relationship between society, nature, and culture. It was fascinating to hear about their writing processes.”
The film screening of He is Still Young (2022) added a cinematic touch, delving into Taiwan’s environmental challenges via poetic expression. We returned to The Dukes Cinema in Lancaster to showcase this key documentary that captures the significance of the literary and environmental movement in Taiwan, marking another step in generating further awareness of Taiwan and its contemporary issues.
The Taiwan Spotlight HOME Series not only enriched the cultural landscape of Lancashire but also fostered meaningful connections between Taiwan and the local community. By addressing universal themes of identity, environment, and belonging, the programme transcended geographical boundaries, inspiring audiences to reflect on their own definitions of “home”. As NorITS continues to champion Taiwanese culture through such engaging initiatives, it reaffirms its role as a bridge between Taiwan and the UK, nurturing mutual understanding and collaboration. With this series as a testament to its success, NorITS is poised to bring even more impactful cultural exchanges in the years to come, ensuring that Taiwan’s vibrant stories and voices continue to resonate far and wide.
Contributor Bio
Ti-han Chang is a lecturer in Asia Pacific Studies at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). Her research focuses on Taiwan eco-literature and ecocriticism, but also explores other environmental topics in the wider Asia Pacific region.
She currently serves as a board member for the European Association of Taiwan Studies. With her colleagues at UCLan, she runs the Taiwan Ministry of Culture funded Taiwan Spotlight events and co-hosts the “Taiwan On-Air” podcast series.