Bridging Worlds Through the Arts: Reflections on Taiwan and the Civic Engagement Forum

I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Taiwan to speak at the Civic Engagement Forum held at the Weiwuying National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts. That experience resonated deeply with me—not just as a professional milestone, but as a reminder of the universal power of community, creativity, and cultural exchange.

Arriving in Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s second-largest city, greeted me with warmth, vibrancy, and a sense of movement. From the buzzing night markets to the tranquil parks and harborside walks, it felt like a place in conversation with both tradition and innovation. The people were kind, the food unforgettable, and the atmosphere alive with curiosity and care.

Weiwuying: A Monument to the Arts

The forum was held at the stunning Weiwuying National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts—a cultural landmark that left me breathless. Designed by the Dutch firm Mecanoo, the building is a marvel of architecture and intention. It embodies a vision where art is not confined by walls, but invited into daily life. Presenting there felt symbolic: here we were, in a space that champions openness and access, gathering to explore how the arts can deepen civic life.

What I Shared

At the forum, I presented on the role of arts education as a tool for civic engagement, especially in diverse urban communities like New York City. I spoke about how creative expression fosters agency in young people, how the arts can illuminate social issues, and how artists have always been—and continue to be—catalysts for change.

I shared case studies from my work in NYC: collaborative murals that sparked neighborhood dialogue, theater projects led by youth, and grassroots campaigns where students used art to advocate for policies affecting their schools and communities.

The conversations that followed were rich, challenging, and deeply inspiring. I met educators, artists, and cultural leaders from across Taiwan and beyond who were grappling with similar questions: How do we build equitable cultural ecosystems? How do we invite marginalized voices into the center of civic life? How do we sustain this work in the face of political and financial pressures?

Learning and Listening

As much as I came to speak, I also came to learn—and Taiwan had much to teach me. From local organizers working on community-based art initiatives to national institutions experimenting with inclusive programming, I was struck by the depth of thought and care being invested into cultural infrastructure.

One moment that stays with me: walking through an open rehearsal with a youth orchestra in one of Weiwuying’s performance spaces, watching young musicians practice not just for perfection, but for joy. It reminded me of why we do this work—not just for outcomes, but for the process of becoming.

A Global Dialogue

This trip affirmed for me that art transcends borders. Whether in New York or Kaohsiung, the desire to connect, reflect, and build through creativity is a shared human instinct. We may come from different systems, languages, and histories, but the core belief remains the same: that art can shape a more just, connected, and empathetic world.

Gratitude and Reflection

I’m forever grateful to Kathy Hong, one of the organizers of the Civic Engagement Forum, and to the city of Kaohsiung for its generosity and vision. Taiwan reminded me that even across continents, we are not alone in this work—and that when we gather, listen, and create together, transformation is always possible.