The 2024 Taipei Nuit Blanche “Nocturnal Animal Party” commenced on the evening of 2 November at Da’an Forest Park in Taipei, igniting a wave of nighttime art and ecological awareness throughout the city. This event attracted numerous local residents and tourists, highlighting Taipei’s appeal as a Muslim-friendly city and offering Malaysian Muslim travellers a comfortable experience to enjoy this artistic celebration.
Grand Night Show Kick-Off
The opening ceremony was held at the outdoor stage of Da’an Forest Park, with Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, Deputy Mayor Lin Yi-hua, French Office in Taipei Director Franck Paris, Taipei Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Tsai Shih-ping, Nuit Blanche Artistic Director Chen Yi-jie, and French guest curator Kitty Hartl in attendance. Mayor Chiang stated, “Nuit Blanche has become a cultural icon of Taipei, with each year’s theme bringing new perspectives on art and ecology. This year’s ‘Nocturnal Animal Party’ allows residents and travellers to explore the harmony between urban life and nature at night, embodying Taipei’s commitment to art and ecological integration.”
Event Highlights
This year’s “Nocturnal Animal Party” featured “8 main themes” and “7 highlight artworks,” immersing the city in creativity and vibrancy:
- 8 Main Themes: The event included curated exhibitions, visual art, performing arts, nature ecology, music performances, side events, interactive activities, and an outdoor cinema, creating a multi-dimensional art experience.
- 7 Highlight Artworks: These included “French Animal Parade” by French artist Kitty Hartl, “Shadow of the Clouds,” “Planets,” “Building a Vanishing Forest,” “Dreamcatcher,” “Return and Search,” and “Data Verse Taipei Night Forest.” Each piece offered a unique artistic take on Taipei’s nighttime interactions.
Diverse Activities and Interactive Experiences
The three core spirits of this Nuit Blanche – cultural fusion and diverse perspectives, participatory art, and showcasing urban culture – were central to the entire event. Artistic teams from around the world used contemporary art to link city, nature, ecology, and humanity. The Taipei City Government encouraged public interaction with art, transforming the audience from passive viewers into active participants.
The popular “French Animal Parade,” setting off hourly from various locations, attracted a multitude of costumed locals and tourists, creating a dreamlike nighttime party. Additionally, the outdoor cinema became one of the event highlights, screening classic films and nature documentaries under the stars, attracting a large crowd to enjoy the art of film in a unique setting.
Abe Chou, Director of the Taiwan Tourism Administration Office in Kuala Lumpur, says: “Taipei Nuit Blanche has brilliantly showcased the city’s vibrant nighttime arts scene. Taiwan is a diverse and inclusive travel destination, with extensive Muslim-friendly facilities that allow travellers to explore with peace of mind. According to the 2024 Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), Taiwan ranks highly among non-OIC destinations, demonstrating our commitment to inclusivity and cultural diversity. We hope this event left all attendees with unforgettable memories and inspires more Malaysian friends to visit Taiwan to experience its unique charm.”
Taipei: A Promising Muslim-Friendly Travel Destination
In the 2024 Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), Taiwan secured the 3rd position among non-Organization of Islamic Cooperation (non-OIC) destinations, following Singapore and the United Kingdom. Notably, Taipei City was awarded the “Most Promising Muslim-friendly City Destination of the Year” for the first time. Currently, Taipei boasts over 60 Muslim-friendly accommodations and dining establishments, along with more than 30 attractions and public spaces equipped with prayer rooms or ablution facilities.
Major hubs such as Taoyuan International Airport, transportation centers like Taipei Main Station, and large venues including Taipei World Trade Center Hall 1, Nangang Exhibition Center, and Taipei International Convention Center are all furnished with ablution facilities and prayer rooms. To enhance Taipei’s international visibility as a Muslim-friendly environment, Taiwan has actively encouraged various city attractions and hospitality providers to obtain Muslim-friendly certifications in recent years.
For more information, please contact the Taiwan Tourism Administration Kuala Lumpur Office at +603-20706789 or email [email protected]
