Kio-A-Thau Sugar Refinery Artist Village
The sugar industry is an important traditional industry in Taiwan. During the Japanese colonization, the Ciaotou Sugar Refinery was designated as the world's first new sugar factory in 1900. At the end of 2022, the bronze statue of Teijiro Yamamoto created by Taiwanese sculptor, Huang Tu Shui, (Huang Tu Shui) returned from Japan to the Ciaotou Sugar Refinery. The 120-year-old bronze statue of Guanyin was restored and finally shown to the public again.
The 10th Kio-A-Thau Artist-in-Residence (AiR) program provides domestic and international artists with opportunities to reside in the 103-year-old county grade historical site, Kio-A-Thau Sugar Refinery, to develop their new artistic projects. To continue promoting the space as center of Kaohsiung County's creative industry, the AiR program encourages artists with creative thinking and personal expression to pursue artistic development through their experience in living and working at this scenic sugar plant.
During the residency period, artists have to help the organizer promote culture and art education and present their achievements while at the village. At the end of the residency, the artists will be asked to donate one representative piece of artwork, inspired by or created during the residency, to Kio-A-Thau AiR’s collection.
There are 7 studios situated in this village.
Private rooms and shared rooms are provided.
By MRT: Kio A Thau Sugar Refinery Station (R22)
By Train: Kio A Thau Station
Nearest international airport: Kaohsiung International Airport (40 minutes MRT, then take 1 minute walk to KAT Artist-in-Residence)