First organized in 2010, CET has steadily evolved into a prominent trading platform for Taiwan’s cultural and creative products, along with image licensing, thereby establishing a solid foundation for showcasing the exhibition’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. Scheduled to be held from September 22 through October 1, Creative Expo Taiwan 2023 (CET 2023) boasts a record number of exhibition areas, making it the most extensive edition to date.
This year, CET is taking a significant step by featuring Taipei’s last cultural haven, the Taiwan Contemporary Culture Lab (C-LAB), as the central hub for CET 2023. The event also expands to include other key locations such as the National Railway Museum, Huashan 1914 Creative Park, Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, and the EXPO Dome at Taipei Expo Park. From emerging creators to renowned brands, and from cultural and creative products to unique licensed exhibits, CET covers a wide spectrum of cultural curation, cultural and creative brands, and IP licensing. This comprehensive approach aims to showcase the diverse cultural and creative industries of Taiwan, generate economic benefits rooted in cultural values, and promote Taiwan’s cultural and creative prowess on the global stage.
2023 Creative Expo Taiwan: 5 Key Highlights
#1 Diverse Exhibition Areas
CET 2023 is breaking new ground by expanding its geographical reach to include participants from all over Taiwan for the first time. The central hub for CET 2023 is located at C-LAB and radiates outwards to other significant venues, including the National Railway Museum, Huashan 1914 Creative Park, Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, and the EXPO Dome at Taipei Expo Park. These five primary exhibition areas in Taipei collectively form a cultural axis that enriches the capital city’s cultural landscape.
In addition to its primary exhibition areas, CET 2023 also encompasses various satellite locations as its sub-exhibition areas, setting a new precedent as the first cross-county Creative Expo Taiwan (CET). These satellite venues include esteemed institutions like the National Taiwan Museum, the National Museum of Taiwan History, the National Museum of Prehistory, the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute, and Fort Zeelandia Museum. This expanded reach allows CET 2023 to showcase Taiwan’s culture and creativity from a diverse range of regions and perspectives, further enhancing the event’s significance.
#2 Large-scale performing arts shows
CET 2023 is breaking new ground by introducing a series of large-scale performing arts shows within its main exhibition area, the Taiwan Contemporary Cultural Lab (C-Lab), located in Taipei.
Formosa Circus Art (FOCA) takes the role of performing arts curator for CET 2023, overseeing the setup of two massive circus tents, known as Village-13 and Village-7, right within the C-Lab premises. These tents are designed to transform into enchanting performance spaces, teeming with energy and creativity. More than just theaters, these circus tents serve as organic laboratories, fostering an environment for artistic experimentation.
In collaboration with the Focasa Circus Festival, CET 2023 has brought together premier performing arts groups from all corners of Taiwan. Over the course of the 10-day event, attendees can look forward to nearly 100 shows, interactive experiences, and workshops hosted both within the circus tents and on the outdoor stage. With the spirit of diversity, inclusiveness, and freedom at its core, this extravaganza will showcase the talents of over 30 performing arts groups, delivering performances that embody the essence of the circus arts. It promises to be a spectacular and unforgettable celebration of artistic expression and creativity.
Furthermore, CET 2023 will present “Working in Progress X GPU” project transforming the monumental Old Office Building at C-LAB into a sound and light stage. This innovative stage design is a remarkable fusion of technology, visual art, and music, promising an immersive sensory experience like no other. It serves as the perfect backdrop for the highly anticipated debut performance by the Taiwan Contemporary Culture Lab (C-LAB) at CET, elevating the event to new heights of artistic expression and engagement.
#3 The rebirth of the National Railway Museum
The Preparatory Office of the National Railway Museum unfolds the historical and cultural dimensions of railway development, offering a captivating glimpse into the rich and fascinating world of railway culture.
The National Railway Museum will be providing exclusive rides on the “EXPO Blue Diesel Railcar” during the exhibition (seats are limited). Visitors will have the unique opportunity to take a vintage railcar ride, allowing them to step back in time and experience the bygone era, as well as reflect on the golden years of ground-level train travel in Downtown Taipei.
#4 Taiwan Unique Spirit – Taiwan IP Stand Out
Huashan 1914 Creative Park is set to host “Taiwan Unique Spirit”, an IP-themed event, which will serve as a platform for the very first-time gathering of some of the most prominent Taiwanese IP creators. This curated ensemble promises to showcase the best in Taiwanese intellectual property and creativity.
In conjunction with this event, the main venue will feature Taiwan Creative Content Agency’s (TAICCA) presentation titled “Story: The Exchanged Life.” Within this exhibition, a diverse tapestry of Taiwanese intellectual property content is intricately woven into the displays. Visitors will be immersed in a captivating blend of visuals, music, and interactive installations, which collectively transform the exhibition into a compelling narrative.
CET is partnering with the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA) to unite professionals in the image licensing and cultural and creative branding sectors. The goal is to broaden international business prospects, establish access to international markets, explore distribution partnerships with agencies, and create avenues for international networking and collaboration.
#5 A record number of participants and exhibition areas
In 2023, CET is debuting a grand-scale performing arts extravaganza. It will showcase over a hundred performances, including drama, dance, and interdisciplinary shows, featuring more than 30 Taiwanese performing arts groups. This spectacular showcase of the performing arts will provide nearly 20,000 available seats for the audience to enjoy.
The IP Licensing and Cultural & Creative Brands exhibition boasts a total of over 540 exhibitors this year, marking the largest-scale Cultural Expo trade exhibition since the pandemic. It has expanded across three exhibition areas: Huashan 1914 Creative Park, Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, and the EXPO Dome at Taipei Expo Park, with the goal of actively engaging startups. More than 130 startup exhibitors have enthusiastically participated, showcasing the impressive magnitude of the CET 2023.
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