INTRODUCTION
NTCH - A Cultural Icon in the Performing Arts World
Built in 1987, the National Theater and Concert Hall (NTCH) is Taiwan's first venue to be devoted to professional-level performing arts. Throughout Asia today, the NTCH is known as an iconic theater and music hall, as well as a beacon of freedom and openness for artists from the region. Our programs embrace all styles and perspectives, from the indigenous to the global and from the traditional to the contemporary. Behind the scenes, the NTCH seeks to provide artists with a platform to allow their work to flourish, and to help audiences enjoy and appreciate high standards of excellence in the performing arts. Our flagship events and programs include the Taiwan International Festival of Arts (TIFA), NTCH Idea LAB, the NTCH Summer Jazz series, the Artquake Autumn Festival, and the NTCH Bravo Series. The NTCH is oriented toward addressing the issues of the moment. We strive to nurture and support relationships between artists and society, as well as between Taiwan and the rest of the world. We value artistic dialogue in all forms, as we hope to contribute to the betterment of communities, both local and global. To this end, we are working to integrate sustainability practices, interdisciplinary partnerships, and positive use of digital technologies into our operations. The NTCH also engages in international outreach by promoting the diversity and abundant creative output of Taiwanese artists. Most importantly, the NTCH's values reflect those of Taiwan, a free and democratic society that encourages and cherishes dialogue between and across cultures. The NTCH aspires to be recognized around the world as a "cultural icon" when it comes to embracing openness and diversity in the performing arts. We sincerely welcome all to participate in a grand dialogue through the performing arts, as we draw from the past to build our future.
The NTCH's Core Values
As an arts organization, the NTCH operates under three core values: sustainability, resilience, and innovation. We are currently implementing three major projects to this end, which include incorporating sustainability practices into all aspects of our theater operations; developing a long-term operations model that emphasizes natural, flexible approaches to management; and using state-of-the art technology to improve our venue, enhance productions, and create new artistic possibilities. With these core values, we aim to make a positive contribution to global society, while continuing to build upon the NTCH's brand as a hub for performing arts culture.
The Evolution of the NTCH Venues
- 1987 to 2003 is the first stage of the NTCH, also known as the "Survival Period." When the NTCH was completed, it prioritized the professionalization of Taiwanese performing arts and the promotion of arts and culture in order to cultivate an audience. The performances were designated as the venue's core, and numerous major international performing arts programs were introduced thereafter.
- 2004 to 2019 is the second stage of the NTCH, also known as the "Maintaining Period." In 2004, the NTCH became an independent administrative institution, thus beginning its second phase. Following principles of public policy implementation, the NTCH worked with teams of specialists to learn how to run an international venue while maintaining positive relationships and interactions with the community. In addition to designating performances as its core, peripheral services were also provided to the audience. The NTCH also significantly improved its hardware.
- 2020 begins the third stage of the NTCH, also known as the "Inevitable Period." By utilizing 3 approaches to foster opportunities for dialogue between culture and life—performances, promotions and venue management—the NTCH aims to drive the performing arts industry forward and become Asia's Cultural Icon.
The History of the NTCH
