Xingbin Mountain Co-creation Studio - Eternal Day Coastal Art Museum Introduction
Keelung Zhengbin Fishing Port is a century-old major port. It has nearly 400 years of international maritime history, and during the Japanese rule, it became the first major fishing port to modernize the fishing industry. The Zhengbin colorful houses have become a representative landmark for tourism in Keelung. Through artistic collaboration, Xingbin Mountain seeks to revitalize the century-old Zhengbin Fishing Port. Built in the 1930s in line with Japan's port construction plan, it became Taiwan's first modern fishing port and marked a notable chapter in northern Taiwan's fishing history during the 1970s. With its geographical advantages and the implementation of the Japanese port construction plan, coupled with rich marine resources, it opened up Taiwanese people's perspective on maritime culture, gradually establishing a complete industrial chain around Zhengbin and Heping Island. The prosperous Zhengbin Fishing Port during the Japanese rule had an auction market by the port where fresh fish products were traded onshore. By the 1980s, Zhengbin Fishing Port gradually declined as the government planned the establishment of Badouzi Fishing Port to replace it, along with changes in the broader environment and restrictions on fishing methods leading to a decrease in catch. Zhengbin Fishing Port, as Taiwan's oldest port with international connections, began its development in 1626 when the Spanish established a trading post here, and it later became northern Taiwan's first modern fishing port during the Japanese rule. However, with the decline of the fishing industry, it started to deteriorate from 1990, and the port, which once accommodated thousands of deep-sea fishing vessels (commonly known as iron-hulled boats), is currently left with fewer than ten. In 2017, the Xingbin Mountain team encountered Zhengbin Fishing Port and observed cultural loss, aging population, industrial decline, and idle spaces. They attempted to preserve and promote the vanishing cultural landscape through art and design thinking. So far, they have established the Xingbin Harbor School, Spacemoor residency space, a curated shop, and conducted local walks, artistic co-creation, cultural experience education activities, launched local publications, and collaborated with local partners and businesses to promote the "Eternal Day Coastal Art Museum" annual street block curation. They hope to continuously bring new imaginations to the area, promote youth participation, and create an innovative atmosphere for open discussion and practice. In recent years, the surrounding areas of Zhengbin Fishing Port have clearly transformed, with nostalgic docks on both sides and Zhengbin Road developing into a gathering place for young entrepreneurs returning home. New businesses such as dessert shops, cafes, and creative dining continue to emerge, showcasing new possibilities for local creation. Xingbin Mountain looks forward to continuing its key role in transforming the century-old major port into a diverse space for leisure tourism, youth innovation, and cultural promotion.
Creator Residency 2
Creator Residence 1
