Northern Coast Art Festival showcases humanistic art along river basins

The 2026 Formosa Northern Coast Art Festival, themed "Tide · Song," is bringing a wave of artistic expression to Taiwan's northern coastline. Organized by the Coastal National Scenic Area Administration of the Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation, the festival connects the natural landscapes and local culture through the concept of "river basins."

Complementing the main festival, the New Taipei City Government's Department of Cultural Affairs is presenting "2026 New Taipei Art Boxes" for the third consecutive year. This satellite exhibition features five emerging artists whose works are displayed in various art spaces in Tamsui and along the northern coast until September 30. The initiative aims to foster local creativity and integrate art with community development.

Exhibits include Liao Hsin-yi's "Tshiah," a weaving project co-created with the public, exploring female experiences and daily life in Tamsui's rebuilt street area. Chen Yu-chieh's "Incense Smoke Tamsui People" uses creative illustrations to interpret river mouth beliefs and local sentiment near Tamsui MRT station. Other featured artists include Hou Hui with "Sea Wants to Stay, Azure Shadow," which uses marine debris for cyanotype art, Huang Hsiang-chih with "Monster Substation" employing light art and handmade pottery, and Yu Yu-hsiang's "Xingren Creek Medal," a mixed-media installation focusing on abandoned sites and local history at Tamsui's Zhuzihu Beach.