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Prof. Chiang Yen-Cheng and Assistant Prof. Ceng Shuo-Wen of the Department of Landscape Architecture, National Chiayi University, developed a micro-credit course focusing on environmental sustainability, as part of the Plan A under the Higher Education SPROUT Project. From Jan. 22nd to 26th, they led 11 sophomore students of the department to the Haomei community in Budai Township for a five-day artistic residency, during which they successfully incorporated the lifestyle of the fishing village into their artwork. In-depth interactions with local residents provided them with insights into the fishing village's culture and industry, marine waste recycling, and environmental sustainability. They used waste materials from abandoned oyster beds for artistic creation, during which they also cleaned up the beach. Their artistic creation not only responds to the SDGs, but strengthens the connection between the students and the rural (fishing) village. It also helps enhance the students' skills of communicating with local residents. This on-site experience is also expected to equip the NCYU students with the ability to discover and explore issues in rural (fishing) villages.
Prof. Chiang Yen-Cheng said that the residency boasted a focus on connecting with the local community by bringing students closer to the farming (fishing) villages of Chiayi. Through phased rolling discussions and field surveys with environmental sustainability in mind, NCYU's faculty and students utilized their expertise in design and spatial planning to assist in constructing local industrial landscapes, and promote the development of local culture and art. By reusing marine waste, they created beautiful landscapes, which helped enhance the students' understanding of the use of seashore plants and overall practical knowledge.
This creative endeavor was not only an artistic activity, but an expression of love and care for the Haomei community. It is hoped that these artworks, while beautifying the community, would serve as bridges connecting academia, art, and the community. Through such synergy, they hoped to help enhance the community's development, and thus the residents' quality of life.Assistant Prof. Ceng Shuo-Wen expressed gratitude to the Haomei community for their warm reception, and to every student and resident who had participated in the artistic residency. It was an unforgettable experience and the result of collaborative efforts. They looked forward to working with the Haomei community to bolster the local sustainable development and prosperity of culture and art.