As an immigrant nation, Canada prides itself on values of diversity and benefits from our country’s cultural harmony. Taiwan, an island nation, has its share of stereotypes due to the complexity of its history. A hot spot of energy and connectivity, the influxes of various cultures have not only impacted the formation of the new culture, but have also become the foundation of new expressions in arts. The conflicts and chaos between preserving and abandoning the traditions have given the innovative minds from Taiwan nutrients to excel and motivations to succeed. It’s time for the world to see Taiwan with an open mind – a cultural phenomenon – Taiwan Rising.

The total attendance for 2011 Vancouver TAIWANfest is 130,000.