News Title｜Taichung City Seaport Art Center

Seniors with incredible artistic talent! A spectacular art feast—where even 99-year-olds take the stage—has opened grandly at the Taichung City Seaport Art Center. The 2025 Taichung Senior Citizen Art Exhibition, running from now until November 9, marks its 23rd edition since its launch in 2003. With the aim of promoting public engagement in the arts and realizing the spirit of lifelong learning, the exhibition provides a dedicated platform for citizens aged 60 and above who are passionate about artistic creation.

Deputy Director Tseng Neng-ting of the Cultural Affairs Bureau remarked in his address that he has also reached the age of 65 this year. In the past, when attending the opening of the Senior Citizen Art Exhibition, he would respectfully address the participating artists as his seniors. Now, however, he can affectionately refer to everyone as his fellows, feeling both a sense of warmth and great honor. He noted that Taiwan has officially entered a super-aged society this year, with individuals aged 65 and above accounting for 19.8% of the total population—nearly one-fifth. Nevertheless, Taichung remains a relatively young city, thanks to ongoing in-migration and the significant impact of fertility policies. At present, the proportion of senior citizens in the city stands at about 17.1%. Despite this, the city government continues to strengthen elderly care and welfare initiatives to ensure that every senior citizen can live with comfort and peace of mind.

Deputy Director Tseng further pointed out that more than two decades ago, Taichung had already demonstrated foresight in recognizing the trend of an aging population. At that time, the former Taichung County initiated the Senior Citizen Art Exhibition, which later expanded into a citywide event following the merger of Taichung City and Taichung County. The exhibition now invites participation from senior citizens across all 29 administrative districts. Held every autumn at the Taichung City Seaport Art Center, this annual showcase has become a cherished artistic celebration and a heartfelt reunion for senior artists. It also stands as a testament to intergenerational heritage and the enduring vitality of art. In closing, Tseng, on behalf of Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-Yen and Cultural Affairs Bureau Director Chen Chia-chun, expressed sincere gratitude to all participating artists for their passion and dedication, which have made it possible for citizens to share in this warm and inspiring artistic feast.

According to the Cultural Affairs Bureau, this year’s exhibition brings together 240 senior artists from 25 administrative districts across Taichung, ranging in age from 60 to 99 years old—a true celebration of the vitality and creativity of the silver generation. Among the participants, three are over 90 years old, and 31 are above 80. Through diverse mediums such as calligraphy, ink painting, watercolor, oil painting, sculpture, and fiber crafts, the artists convey profound reflections on life, nature, and everyday experiences, embodying the spirit of “learning and creating for life.”

Mr. Chen Zhan-ao, a 99-year-old artist from Qingshui District, presents his oil painting “European Landscape.” The work depicts warm red-tiled houses and church spires scattered among verdant hills, with layers of greenery set against a vast blue sky, evoking the feeling of strolling through a quaint European town. Beyond its technical artistry, the painting conveys the artist’s enduring longing for travel and his romantic appreciation of the world’s landscapes.

Ms. Huang Zhan-yueqin from Dongshi District presents the ink painting “Floral Season Celebration,” portraying the region’s vibrant bloom season and bustling crowds. With delicate brushwork and vivid colors, the artwork captures throngs of visitors in flower fields and the lively chatter of local markets, radiating a strong local charm and a warm human touch, and vividly portraying the joyous moments of community festivals shared by the people. Through her brushstrokes, the artist preserves the beauty of community festivals and shared moments, leaving a cherished record of regional life and cultural memory. This artwork, much like the artist herself, captures local culture and human landscapes with a brush, preserving precious memories.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau noted that while participants in the Senior Citizen Art Exhibition have entered the retirement phase of their careers, their perspectives on life and the world are at their most mature. Their works reflect not only technical skill but also a profound accumulation of life wisdom. Each brushstroke, sculpture, and crafted piece embodies the artists’ delicate experiences and sincere emotions. The 2025 Taichung Senior Citizen Art Exhibition is a show that the entire family can enjoy together. Beyond celebrating the beauty of art, it conveys the message that seniors can shine brightly.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau warmly invites the public to visit the Taichung City Seaport Art Center from now until November 9 to witness senior artists expressing their creativity and celebrating the vitality of life. For more event information, please visit the official website (https://tcsac.taichung.gov.tw/) and the official Facebook page of the Seaport Art Center.