Treasure Hill Artist Village: From Military Settlement to Living History in Taipei

The Treasure Hill Artist Village in Taipei, Taiwan, has evolved from a former anti-aircraft base and squatter community into a distinctive 'living history' location where descendants of the original residents coexist with artists in residence. Established by retreating Kuomintang soldiers in the 1940s, it began as a temporary military camp, but efforts by the government to limit permanent structures were ineffective. In 2010, it was officially inaugurated as an artist residency, merging historical conservation with modern art. Recent exhibitions, such as 'The Third Memorial' in April and May, showcased Taiwanese artist Jia-Jhen Syu's installation, which reflects on community dynamics using magnets and lightbulbs. Yi-Chen Bai, whose father was a Kuomintang soldier, recounted her family's history, highlighting the retreat of the Republic of China government to Taiwan in 1949. The residency program seeks to maintain the site's heritage while promoting artistic exchange, exemplifying cultural preservation and community involvement.