65 Craft Festival: Artisan Dialogue - Cross-Cultural Craft Exchange Camp - Lacquerware Workshop (For Experienced Craft Practitioners)

Every year, June 5th is World Environment Day, when the international community focuses on environmental cycles and sustainable development. It is also the birthday of Mr. Yen Shui-long (顏水龍), a pioneer of Taiwanese crafts. In 2026, the Executive Yuan designated June 5th as "Craft Festival," combining a national sustainable vision with local Taiwanese cultural perspectives to highlight the core values of harmony between craft and nature and cultural sustainability, making craft an important cultural node for public attention and participation. The festival centers on "SLOHAS" (Slow Living, Health and Sustainability), connecting workshops, markets, and diverse cultural actions to promote the exchange, inheritance, and innovation of craft culture.

"Artisan Dialogue - Cross-Cultural Craft Exchange Camp" is one of this year's key international exchange projects, focusing on deepening international craft exchange and promoting the exchange of craft techniques and creative thinking across different cultural systems. The curriculum covers six core areas: metalwork, lacquerware, woodcraft, ceramics, fiber arts, and bamboo crafts. Craftsmen from Japan and South Korea are invited to Taiwan to personally exchange with Taiwanese craft creators at the Craft Center. Through hands-on practice and cultural dialogue, they explore the commonalities and differences in craft aesthetics, stimulate technical and creative thinking, and further promote deep connections in international craft culture and diverse possibilities for future cooperation.

Artisan Dialogue - Cross-Cultural Craft Exchange Camp - Lacquerware Workshop
Date: Monday, June 1 to Thursday, June 4, 2026
Location: National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute (No. 573, Chungcheng Rd., Tsautun Township, Nantou County 542)
Instruction Language: Japanese (main), with Chinese translation
Instructors:
Ishikawa Nanase (石川 七瀨), awarded the "Lacquer Craft Scholarship Award" by the Japan Lacquer Craft Association in 2023. Received the NHK Takamatsu Broadcasting Station Award at the 66th Traditional Craft Shikoku Exhibition in 2024, and was selected for the 42nd Japan Traditional Lacquer Art Exhibition. Selected for the Craft City Takaoka Craft Exhibition in 2025, the 67th Traditional Craft Shikoku Exhibition, and the 1st "Palm" Exhibition organized by the Hayashibara Museum of Art.
Wang Hsien-min (王賢民), son of Taiwanese lacquerware national treasure Wang Ching-shuang (王清霜) and second-generation inheritor of Taiwanese lacquer craft. Registered by the Ministry of Culture as a preserver of the traditional art "Lacquer Craft - Qianjin" technique. Registered by the Nantou County Government as a preserver of the traditional crafts "Lacquer Craft - Qianjin" and "Lacquer Craft - Maki-e." Proficient in "Takamaki-e" and "Qianjin" techniques, with creative themes often focusing on flowers and birds.
June 3, 13:30-17:30 / [Domestic and International Dual Mentor and Participant Work Showcase]
This activity is conducted independently in each laboratory. Two master craftsmen (one domestic, one international) are specially invited to give thematic lectures, guiding creative thinking through the masters' perspectives. Additionally, participants are required to bring their own works (1-2 pieces) for on-site introduction and dialogue. After the exchange session, cross-laboratory visits will be conducted to promote craft exchange and interdisciplinary learning across different media.
June 3, 18:30-20:30 / [Exchange Dinner]
A post-class dinner is specially planned, inviting 12 domestic and international masters, the heads of the institute's laboratories, and resident artists from the Life Craft Hall to attend. The dinner is self-funded (NT$400 per person). Participants are welcome to sign up based on their own willingness to seize this rare exchange opportunity!
Various Locations:
[Participant Check-in]: June 1: Administration Building, 3F Universal Hall; June 2-4: Life Craft Hall, 2F Check-in Counter.
[Welcome Reception]: Administration Building, 3F Universal Hall
[Workshop]: Life Craft Hall, 2F Lacquerware Laboratory
[Lunch] and [Exchange Dinner]: Life Craft Hall, 1F Restaurant
Target Participants: Those interested in crafts, with priority given to those with experience related to lacquerware products.
Enrollment Limit: 10 people
Registration Method: Online form registration. Open from now until Wednesday, May 7, 12:00 midnight. Please complete the registration process before the deadline; late applications will not be accepted.
Admission Announcement: After review, applicants will be selected based on qualifications, conditions, experience, and ability. The admission list will be announced on Wednesday, May 14, on the [Official Website of the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute].
Online Registration: https://forms.gle/1xXqZM9mW5vLSfAUA