On August 23rd, 2024, the Ministry of Culture Taiwan (MOC) and OISTAT (International Organisation of Scenographers, Theatre Architects and Technicians) signed an agreement at National Kaohsiung Center for the Art (Weiwuying) to extend their partnership, ensuring the OISTAT headquarters will remain in Taiwan until 2030. Deputy Minister of Culture Taiwan Lí Tsīng-huī (李靜慧), OISTAT President Aby Cohen, OISTAT Executive Director Wan-Jung Wei (魏琬容), and Artistic Director of Weiwuying Wen-Pin Chien (簡文彬) attended the signing ceremony to celebrate the continued partnership between Taiwan and International Theatre Community.
This extension marks the third renewal of the partnership since OISTAT relocated its headquarters to Taiwan in 2006. The continued collaborations will help further Taiwan’s role as a vital connection for international theatre exchange and cultural dialogue. Deputy Minister Lí Tsīng-huī stated, “OISTAT is the only international arts organization headquartered in Taiwan, providing a unique platform for cultural exchange. We look forward to furthering our global connections through this partnership and creating a resilient global theatre network for the next generation."
OISTAT President Aby Cohen said, “Taiwan’s freedom and openness toward arts and culture aligns perfectly with OISTAT’s mission and values. We are excited to expand the global theatre community from OISTAT’s base in Taiwan.” From 1968 through 2006, OISTAT Headquarters (formerly known as the secretariat) was located in Prague (1968 - 1993) and the Netherlands (1993-2005) respectively. In 2006, OISTAT Headquarters relocated for a third time to its current home today in Taipei, Taiwan. By moving beyond its European roots, OISTAT has reached further opportunities for exchange with diverse cultures and backgrounds.
OISTAT, founded in 1968 by 7 countries, Canada, Czechoslovakia, the Federal Republic of Germany, the German Democratic Republic, Hungary, Israel, and the United States, is a global network for theatre practitioners celebrating design, technology, and architecture in live performances. The organization has grown to include members from over 50 countries, continually expanding its influence and fostering international collaboration.
The signing ceremony was attended by professionals from the Taiwanese theatre and arts community. Deputy Minister Lí Tsīng-huī called for the cooperation from government, arts venues, professionals, and all kinds of art organizations to build a stable theatre network with OISTAT that can enhance Taiwanese cultural impact globally.
