World’s longest-running street art work comes to Tainan

World’s longest-running street art work comes to Tainan

2024-03-29

The "RedBall Project," which is known as the world’s longest-running street art work, rolled into Tainan on Friday. Each day the giant red ball will pop up in a different place at various historic and scenic sites in the city. Its first stop was Jieguanting Arch, attracting nearly 1,000 people snapping photos.

A huge red ball bulges under the Jieguanting Arch, a designated historic site in Tainan City. The arch was completely taken up with the ball, which is part of a world famous travelling street art work called the “RedBall Project.”

Huang Wei-che
Tainan mayor
The red ball has finally come to Tainan, the second city in Taiwan that it visits after its first visit a really long time ago. The red ball behind me is for everyone to enjoy. You can touch it and hug it, but don’t hurt it!

The “RedBall Project” first came to Taipei more than 10 years ago and this is the second time it’s come to Taiwan. It’s making an appearance each day for 10 days at different scenic and historical attractions in Tainan, allowing the public to see the city from a new perspective. The 10 exhibition sites were personally selected by the artist Kurt Perschkel.

Kurt Perschke
RedBall Project artist
When you’re driving around, stuck in traffic, you will see a spot and think: Ah! That would be good. And for me that’s also what the project is about, is the sense of imagination, to see you own city in a new way.

The combination of a bright red ball and historic building made for a unique and interesting scene. On the first day of the ball’s travels in Tainan, nearly 1,000 people came to the venue to snap shots.

Member of the public
It’s really special. It’s a mix of east and west.

Unlike many art works, the red ball can be touched. It can mould into any space and adapt to the site’s environment and weather. If needed, it can be deflated a little to avoid damaging historic buildings. The daily appearances in different locations are expected to bring crowds all over Tainan.

Member of public
If I have time, I might go see it every day, because all the places are iconic Tainan buildings.

People who follow the red ball around the city will get an overview of Tainan’s 400 years of history with a fresh perspective.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

紅球計畫滾進台南首站接官亭民眾搶拍

2024-03-29

全球性的藝術行動「紅球計畫」，今天滾進台南！將以一天一個展出點的快閃形式，在台南市各個古蹟、景點出沒。首站在接官亭風神廟開幕，吸引近千人次來拍照。

台南市定古蹟接官亭的牌坊底下，被塞了一顆巨大的紅球，整個門被塞好塞滿，幾乎沒有空隙。全球知名的街頭藝術「紅球計畫」，滾進台南！

[[台南市長黃偉哲]]
“紅球終於來台南了，那也是這麼久以來，造訪台灣的第二個城市。但是在我背後這個紅球，大家可以看到真的非常具有親民性，而且民眾可以撫摸它擁抱它，但是不要傷害它”

紅球計畫，十多年前曾經到過台北，這次是第二度來到台灣。將以一天一個展出點的快閃形式，十天跑遍台南各大景點、古蹟，讓民眾看到不同於以往的城市風貌，而這十個點都是美國藝術家庫特·波施克親自選出來的。

[[美國藝術家 Kurt Perschke]]
“當你在城市繞、停紅綠燈時，你會看到一個點，啊!這裏會很棒，對我而言這個計畫就是從新的方式，重新去看待住的城市”

大紅色的球體與歷史建築合體，形成獨特又有趣的畫面，開幕第一天就吸引近千人次到場，與紅球拍照。

[[民眾]]
“蠻特別的，就有點中西混合在一起”

不像一般的藝術品，紅球是可以觸摸的，同時也能隨著現場環境和天氣，改變它的「體型」，必要時消一點風，避免古蹟建物受到壓力破壞。接下來每天換一個地點，也將引起追紅球的熱潮。

[[民眾]]
“有時間的話，我可能會每天追一下，因為它都在台南比較有代表性的建築”

追逐紅球的過程，就等於穿梭在台南四百年的歷史現場，透過不同的角度，再一次認識台南。

更多新聞內容，請鎖定：
民視台灣台（152頻道）週日至週五晚上9:30
民視新聞台（53頻道）週二至週六凌晨1:00

Related News

Polam Kopitiam food poisoning cluster grows to 22 people

2024-03-29

Bongkrekic acid to blame for death of two people in food poisoning cluster

The Ministry of Health has confirmed that bongkrekic acid is to blame for the death of the two diners in the food poisoning cluster in Taipei. The acid can have a mortality rate of between 30% and 100%. It is produced by bacteria that grow in foods rich in fatty acids such as coconuts and corn.

Ho Mei-shang
Contagious disease expert
The top priority now is to find where the bongkrekic acid came from. From a macro historical perspective, this is the first case of its kind in Taiwan. We shouldn’t let the bacteria enter our plant ecosystems.

Speaking on a radio program, infectious disease expert Ho Mei-shang says that, although the bongkrekic acid toxin can’t be spread from person to person, the bacteria that produces it can grow in the soil under the right conditions.

Ho Mei-shang
Contagious disease expert
The bacteria only infects plants. It doesn’t infect people. But it can grow in humid environments. It seems that the bacteria has already established itself in China. We hope that the bacteria was found in imported products, and not in Taiwan-made products.

Experts from the Ministry of Health and Welfare say bongkrekic acid is a relatively rare toxin produced by the Burkholderia gladioli bacteria, which thrives in foods rich in fatty acids such as coconuts and corn. The toxin can cause severe illness in humans.

Adonis Chiang (March 28)
NTU Graduate Institute of Toxicology
In severe cases, all the cells in the body suddenly lose energy and shut down. So severe symptoms include liver failure and metabolic acidosis. The toxin can’t be metabolized so it gets into the patient’s head, heart and muscles. They become paralyzed. In just a few hours, within a day, it can cause disease and death. The literature says its mortality rate ranges from 30% to 100%.

Chiang Shou-shan
Nephrologist
The bacteria is very picky, so it doesn’t easily cause food poisoning. If it does, it’s because you have had major problems in your food management.

The Food and Drug Administration says that washing or cooking do not get rid of bongkrekic acid already present in food. To prevent the bacteria from growing in ingredients is to make sure starchy fermented foods are stored properly. With the first case of bongkrekic poisoning, Taiwan is trying to learn lessons to prevent it from happening again.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2024-03-29

President Tsai declines defense minister’s verbal resignation

2024-03-29

New legislature inaugurates Taiwan Parliament Group for Hong Kong

DPP lawmaker Huang Jie inaugurated the Taiwan Parliament Group for Hong Kong on Friday. Amid China’s growing attempts to undermine Hong Kong’s freedoms, Huang called on the Mainland Affairs Council to prepare for any contingency and help Hong Kongers living in Taiwan integrate into Taiwanese society. Meanwhile a Hong Konger noted that China’s infiltration tactics in Taiwan were extremely similar to ones the Communist power had adopted in Hong Kong. He called on Taiwanese to cherish their democracy and offer support for Hong Kong.

The newly-elected Legislative Yuan has once again inaugurated another caucus, the Parliament Group for Hong Kong. DPP lawmaker Huang Jie has succeeded former lawmaker Freddy Lim as its head.

Huang Jie
DPP legislator
Article 23 of Hong Kong’s Basic Law has severely strengthened restrictions on the Hong Kong people’s freedom. In face of the future situation in Hong Kong, I hope that Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council will be prepared to help Hong Kongers integrate into life in Taiwan. We need to let people in Hong Kong know that Taiwan stands with Hong Kong.

Freddy Lim
Former legislator
The group was established in the last legislative term. When Joshua Wong came to me, we didn’t only discuss democracy and freedom, we also discussed esports and industries and how lawmakers from both sides could cooperate to promote various kinds of industrial exchanges.

Lim lamented that when the caucus was first established four years ago in the previous legislative term, the situation in Hong Kong was not as serious as it is now. Meanwhile Hong Kongers living in Taiwan are calling for Taiwan’s support, saying that even if the CPP controls the Hong Kong government and its Legislative Council, its people were working hard to resist China.

Sang Pu
Taiwan Hong Kong Association
The CCP’s ways of infiltrating Taiwan are actually very similar to the tactics it has used to infiltrate Hong Kong.

Lee Li-chen
Deputy MAC minister
We have revised the rules for Hong Kong and Macao residents to study in Taiwan. We’ve also revised laws on the recruitment and employment of foreign professionals, and established an office for exchange of Taiwan-Hong Kong services. Through inter-ministerial meetings, we hope to integrate the central government with local governments, public and private partners, and set up a network that can assist Hong Kongers living in Taiwan.

In the face of authoritarianism, Taiwan and Hong Kong are in similar situations. In addition to taking Hong Kong’s treatment as a warning, concerned Taiwanese are continuing to lend a helping hand to help Hong Kong go through its darkest moment.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2024-03-29

India, China seek influence in Nepal as infrastructure projects stall

Projects are at a standstill in Nepal, as India and China compete for influence in the Himalayan country. Meanwhile, the Nepalese people are growing frustrated at the lack of development. Voice of America’s Henry Wilkins has more.

These rough, dusty tracks are where the Kathmandu-Terai Expressway was due to be finished this year. But the project that was supposed to link the capital to the country’s south is only one-quarter of the way done, local media reports say. And officials say it won’t be completed until 2027, at the earliest. Residents along the route say they’re tired of the lack of progress. Berung Tamang is a farmer, he says.

Berung Tamang
Farmer
The faster it is built, the faster the citizens of Nepal can develop. Also, this is an open area. The dust from the current road even makes it into our house. For the cows and animals, the dust gets into their food as well.

Road construction has been held up in a court battle between Indian and Chinese companies who bid for the project. India and China are vying for influence here largely by offering development projects and financing for them. The country is strategically important for both as the Himalayan mountain range, which runs through Nepal, forms a barrier between them. Analysts say Nepal is walking a tightrope to stay neutral.

Shankar Tiwari
Analyst
They just try to work attuned to their interest. Both the countries put their interest first before serving us. We need to tread consciously while taking any help from them. We don’t want to fall in the geopolitical quagmire.

Pokhara International Airport serves one of Nepal’s tourism hotspots. It was built by Chinese contractors with Chinese financing and opened in January 2023. It is yet to welcome any scheduled international flights, however. Local media say India is dragging its heels in allowing flights to go there because of the airport’s Chinese connections. Politicians say that India is a more natural partner for Nepal.

Arjun Narasingha K.C.
Nepali Congress Party
We are situated in between two giant countries, so we have to borrow the technology and resources of both sides. But you know, because of geography, because of history, because of religions, we are close to India. That we must say. At the same time, our relations with India must not give any negative impact to China.

As Nepal continues the balancing act, this stretch of the ring road round the capital, Kathmandu, recently expanded thanks to a Chinese-Nepali joint project.

Resident
Now shoe shops, hotels, cell phone shops have all opened here.

As delays to other projects continue, so too does India and China’s battle for hearts, minds and roads in Nepal.

Henry Wilkins, VOA News, Kathmandu, Nepal.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2024-03-29

Latest in smart and ecofriendly appliances at Taipei 2024 Electrical Appliances Expo

The Taipei Electrical Appliances Expo has kicked off with the latest in home appliances on display. The big themes this year: artificial intelligence and energy efficiency. Among other innovations, there are air conditioning systems connected to mobile apps and fridges with low energy consumption that help with savings when it comes to electricity bills.

President Tsai Ing-wen, Premier Chen Chien-jen, and Presidential Office Secretary-General Lin Chia-lung inaugurate the Taipei 2024 Electrical Appliances Expo.

Tsai Ing-wen
President
As you all know, in just over a month I’ll be moving home. So today, I didn’t just come here to give you all my best wishes. I’m also here to look for things I need. I might consider some of these state-of-the-art appliances.

Chen Chien-jen
Premier
I heard that this expo has appliances with the smartest features, lowest carbon emissions and most innovative breakthroughs. So I will definitely have a look around the exhibits to find a good sound system to listen to music back in my office after May 20.

Wu Chang-wei
Air conditioning company rep
If it gets really hot in summer, you can use the mobile app to turn on the AC for your six pets at home.

The mention of her pets brought out a smile from Tsai, who walked around the floor looking at the latest home appliances. Several companies have put out smart air conditioning units that can be controlled remotely via a mobile app. They also include a power saving mode to keep electricity bills as low as possible.

With electricity prices set to go up on April 1, industry players are hoping to attract buyers with low-consumption appliances. They say products with high energy efficiency ratings are best.

Lin Chun-nan
Home appliance company rep
It automatically adjusts its power consumption by controlling the time it turns its compressor on and off, to achieve the highest energy efficiency.

Liao Chuan-ping
Taipei Electrical Commercial Association
All of the appliances we are showcasing have the top energy efficiency rating in line with the government’s 2025 standards. We expect sales this year to be 20% to 30% higher than before. We’re estimating at around NT$2 billion in sales.

The key concepts in this year’s exhibition are artificial intelligence and energy efficiency. With summer fast approaching, buyers can take advantage of government subsidies to save up to NT$5,000 thanks to appliance replacement programs and tax waivers.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2024-03-29

President-elect Lai lays out plans to develop Taiwan tourism

2024-03-29

Taipei to host activities for firefly season till May

2024-03-29

Keelung invites corporate sponsorship for exciting new bus stops

Transport in Keelung is getting a fresh look, as the city invites corporate sponsorship for some of its new bus stops. A stop across from Keelung’s iconic Zhengbin Fishing Port has been made up like a hot dog stand! Another has a technological theme. Keelung’s deputy mayor explained the project aims to drive tourist growth and bring fresh excitement to the port city.

Bright colors and a big sign promising hot dogs and burgers. Despite the classic neon orange chairs, this is not an American diner. It’s a bus stop! Here on Keelung’s Heping Island, it’s a new landmark for selfies at the famous Zhengbin Fishing Port.

Chiu Pei-lin
Deputy mayor of Keelung
We think that companies using ESG concepts can guide not just how the public sees the environment, but, more importantly, it can drive – we hope this will drive growth in the whole surrounding area.

This very special bus stop was sponsored by Taiwan Farm Industry Co. Inspired by a hot dog stand, the back of the stop incorporates elements of local Keelung culture as well as a diagram explaining the different cuts of pork. Keelung City is encouraging corporate sponsorship of public infrastructure. Already in full swing, the project is bringing unique local flavor to the built environment.

This bus stop in front of the City God Temple has a backboard with “City God Temple” in gray and white, a very technological style. The enlarged stop makes waiting for a bus more comfortable than ever, and gives the stop a distinctive character.

Chiu Pei-lin
Deputy mayor of Keelung
I hope Keelung can become an international city. We think that letting companies sponsor stops brings in their creativity, because everyone has their own creativity. It makes Keelung more beautiful. We have three sponsored stops in Keelung so far, and we’re creating five more. So we expect to have eight completed by the end of May.

Keelung is inviting private companies to sponsor bus stops and bring in local color to brighten up the city for everyone.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2024-03-29