National Taiwan University Hospital Holds 38th Arts Gathering for Seniors

In a spacious conference room at the National Taiwan University Hospital International Conference Center, more than 300 senior artists and literary friends gathered today to hold the 38th "Wenyi Yaji" (Elegant Literary Gathering). Co-hosted by the Taiwan Literature Development Foundation and Wenshin Magazine, the event took place on the Chongyang Festival, symbolizing respect and care for the elderly. Attendees included artists from various fields, such as writers, poets, painters, and musicians. Amid the soothing sounds of the guqin and the delicate aroma of tea, participants shared insights on their creative processes, reminisced about past years, and fostered their artistic bonds through dialogue and interaction.

Since its inception in 1976, the "Wenyi Yaji" has become a traditional highlight in Taiwan’s literary and artistic circles. Held annually during the Chongyang Festival, the event aims to bring together elders and youth to promote cross-generational cultural exchange, while preserving the essence of classical literature and modern creation through the format of an elegant gathering. While the scale of this 38th edition was comparable to previous years, the number of participants and the content of the activities were more diverse. The program featured traditional tea ceremony culture alongside modern multimedia displays, allowing older artists to explore creative possibilities together with younger generations.

Since its establishment, the Taiwan Literature Development Foundation has been dedicated to promoting Taiwan’s literature and the cultural creative industries. Through various lectures, seminars, and awards, it encourages literary creation and research. Its collaboration with Wenshin Magazine combines media and publishing resources, providing a broader platform for exposure and discussion for the "Wenyi Yaji." For this event, the two institutions jointly planned a "Chongyang Respect for Elders" theme, inviting several senior artists to share their life experiences. This emphasized that literature and art are not merely the results of creation, but also profound responses to life and society.

The Chongyang Festival itself is known as the "Respect for Elders Festival" and holds significant importance in Chinese culture. By hosting the "Wenyi Yaji" on this occasion, the event serves not only as an artistic assembly but also as an expression of social care. Amid the tea and poetry, attendees exchanged respect and gratitude for their elders, using the power of culture to remind society to value the worth and contributions of the elderly. This approach to honoring elders through art aligns with traditional etiquette while meeting the practical needs of modern society, reflecting the deep understanding of social responsibility within Taiwan’s artistic community.

For Taiwan’s artistic community, the "Wenyi Yaji" is more than just a gathering; it is a bridge. The experience and insights of the elderly are an invaluable resource for young creators, while the innovative thinking of the younger generation can offer new perspectives to the elders. Through such interactions, the transmission of art is no longer a one-way process of instruction, but a two-way co-creation. In the future, the continued holding of such events will help cultivate a more diverse and inclusive literary and artistic environment, injecting new momentum into the sustained development of Taiwanese culture.

(Fact source: Central News Agency)