Guandu Nature Park is inviting entries to 2018 Guandu International Nature Art Festival “Live Happily Ever After?” The selected artists will create their artworks in a natural setting using only natural or eco-friendly materials during a 5-week residency in Guandu Nature Park in Taipei, Taiwan. Artists who are concerned about the relationship between humans and nature are welcome to apply before the deadline on June 6th, 2018.

Funding

• Artist’s fee NTD$ 80,000. According to the income tax rule in Taiwan, the organizer will deduct tax from the payment based on the applicable rate (e.g. 20% for non-resident) stipulated in the law.  Therefore the actual amount the artists receive will be less than NTD$ 80,000. The organizer will pay this fee by New Taiwan Dollars in cash.
• A round-trip airfare (economy class). From artist’s residency country to Taiwan. The reimbursement does not include the costs associated with passport & visa expenses. Artist will have to book the ticket and pay the fee in advance by him/herself. The organizer will pay the reimbursement by New Taiwan Dollars in cash after artist’s arrival in Taiwan. We will support multi-destination flight only for work purpose. Artists need to provide official documents (an invitation letter, poster etc.) as proof.
• Airport pick-up/drop-off service will be provided. However, artists who plan to have personal trips in Taiwan after the residency will have to take care of the transportation to the airport oneself.
• Accommodation. From September 10, 2018 (check-in) to October 15, 2018 (check-out). Each artist will receive accommodation in a single room with individual bathroom. For anyone accompany the artist, an additional bed and meal will be charged by the hotel accordingly.
• Materials support. The organizer will assist to collect on-site natural materials (e.g. reed, wood, stone, bamboo, leaf etc.) or recycled objects. The organizer has a shared budget for all artists for purchasing materials like hemp ropes, eco-paints, bamboo etc. Artists who need to purchase materials must consult with the curator first.
• Meals. Buffet breakfast will be served at the hotel. Lunch will be provided by Guandu Nature Park every working day. Dinners are not included. The average cost for a meal in Taiwan is between NTD$ 80- 300.
• Local transport. Artist can use the public transport system such as the metro, bus, or public bike to shuttle between the hotel and the Park and travel around Taipei. The organizer will provide an EasyCard with pre-stored value to the participant.

Guandu International Outdoor Sculpture Festival, dating back to 2006, was Taiwan's first large-scale natural art event held in a conservation park. The park is located in Guandu wetland, a place with unique estuary culture and diverse ecosystem. The festival takes place annually and invites artists all over the world to create site-specific outdoor installations by using natural materials. The purpose of this event is not only about art and aesthetics but also about delivering messages caring for the environment. Public participation also plays a part in this event. Through communication and cooperation with local communities and volunteers, artists are able to learn from local wisdom and try to blend in the local culture in their works.

With the experience in the past ten years, this art event has come to a new stage by resetting its title into “Guandu International Nature Art Festival “since 2016.  The triangle composed of river culture, wetland conservation, and environmental art is still the solid foundation of the curatorial concepts. Guandu International Nature Art Festival is expected to serve as a catalyst to deepen the public’s awareness of our environment, as well as care for local cultures. It is hoped that every single participant of this festival will take the initiative to connect with their surroundings, to get inspired by nature, and to make an effort in finding a way to a sustainable future.