#United States #New York #Taipei Cultural Center #Taiwan POP

TCCNY Celebrates 35 Years of Cultural Bridging in New York City

On July 7, 2026, the Taipei Cultural Center in New York (TCCNY) marked a momentous occasion—its 35th anniversary. This event was held at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, drawing a diverse group of guests from the arts and cultural communities of New York and Taiwan.

This celebration highlighted the ongoing cultural exchange between Taiwan and the United States, reflecting on past collaborations while looking forward to future partnerships. Attending guests included representatives from notable organizations such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the New York Taiwan Pride team, and the Taiwanese American Arts Council, among many others.

The evening commenced with an enchanting performance by the talented Taiwanese Paiwan singer, Sauljaljui, who is making her North American debut with assistance from the Ministry of Culture. Her singings, performed in the Indigenous language, were accompanied by her beautiful moon guitar, captivating the audience and demonstrating the rich musical traditions of Taiwan. Guests indulged in delicious Taiwanese delicacies such as gua-bao and salt-and-pepper chicken, making the event not just a feast for the mind but also for the palate.

During the festivities, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office Director-General, Tom Chih-Chiang Lee, addressed the attendees, emphasizing the diverse influences that have shaped Taiwanese culture. He pointed out that TCCNY has effectively acted as a bridge between Taiwan and the USA over the years, facilitating collaborations across various art forms including performing arts, visual arts, film, and literature.

This anniversary celebration also served as a launchpad for the year's flagship Taiwan POP program. This initiative seeks to deepen the engagement of Taiwanese culture within the New York arts scene, encompassing a series of events aimed at broadening access to Taiwanese creative expressions. Lee remarked that the TCCNY has continually strived to connect with audiences of all backgrounds, furthering the appreciation of Taiwanese culture.

Guests at the celebration enjoyed a longevity peach cake, a traditional dessert symbolizing good fortune, and raised their glasses in a toast to acknowledging the continued collaboration between Taiwanese and American arts communities.

Highlighting the event was the unveiling of a unique installation made especially for the Taiwan POP program. The installation displayed neon graffiti art and striking wall decals featuring the cultural ambassador a-We, creating a lively, culturally rich atmosphere that welcomed participants into the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office.

Since its inception in May, Taiwan POP has made a notable impact by orchestrating an exciting lineup of events in New York City, including master conversations with notable figures like choreographer Lin Hwai-min, performances by the Taiwan Philharmonic, and creative street art displays at the Bushwick Collective. Notably, the Taiwan Pride float led by Nymphia Wind during NYC's Pride March captured significant attention, showcasing Taiwanese culture and enhancing visibility.

Looking ahead, TCCNY Director, Jack Kuei, expressed hope for deeper collaborations in the years to come, considering the 35th anniversary to be both a culmination of past efforts and a new beginning. The upcoming schedule for the Taiwan POP program includes the New York premiere of HUNG DANCE’s BIRDY, a Taiwanese Waves performance at SummerStage in Central Park, and a Taiwanese-themed film series featuring Taiwanese cinematic works at Metrograph.

As this influential program continues through September 2026, the diverse facets of Taiwan's cultural expressions will resonate throughout the city, inviting New Yorkers to delve deeper into the unique vibrancy of Taiwanese culture. For more information, you can visit the official website at Taiwan POP.