Xingang Cultural Center, Warehouse No. 25 Introduction
**Experience the Four Seasons** In the autumn of 2009, during the busy harvest season of yesteryear, a special exhibition at the New Port Cultural Center's Warehouse No. 25 attracted the attention and emotion of many, showcasing farmers who earnestly expressed themselves through the lens. **I am a Warehouse, I am an Exhibition Hall** The mottled brick walls and filtering sunlight resonate with each other, and this special exhibition hall was not built just to display works; its original purpose was to exist for agriculture. Even though its role has transformed today, it remains an organic space that coexists with nature and the twenty-four solar terms. The New Port Cultural Center is owned by the New Port Agricultural Association. Constructed in 1963, it measures 36 meters long, 8.8 meters wide, and 4 meters high, designated as Warehouse No. 25. After harvest, truckloads of rice were brought in, heralding both abundance and scarcity, smiles and tears; the warehouse had to open its doors to welcome in one harvest after another. Agriculture is the most important industry in New Port. Later, due to policy adjustments, the space gradually became underutilized. **Provided by the Agricultural Association, Created by the New Port Cultural Foundation** With such a large and complete underutilized space, shouldn't something be done with it? In Taiwan's traditional agricultural towns, the two largest organizations are often the Agricultural Association and the Township Office. In New Port, the township mayor is a former chairman of the New Port Cultural Foundation and a former director of the New Port Agricultural Association. Through this channel, the New Port Cultural Foundation negotiated with the Agricultural Association in 2003, and the association agreed to allow free use of the space, transforming it into a venue for arts and exhibitions. Initially, simple equipment was moved in to host exhibitions and courses. Finally, on August 26, 2008, it was inaugurated as the "New Port Cultural Center - Warehouse No. 25," hoping to reinvigorate the culture of New Port. **A Tranquil, Light-Filled Space** Inside Warehouse No. 25, the space retains much of its original flavor, without attempting to gild the lily. **Respecting the Space's Character** Architect Chuo Ching-Chuan respects the existing character of the space, preserving the wooden rafters, mottled red bricks, cement walls, small ventilation windows, and cast iron windows... Upon entering, enjoying the artwork and the artists' concepts is no longer an unattainable experience; with sunlight pouring in, there’s a touch of intimacy, creating a sense of ease. Farmers who once utilized the space should not hesitate to enter just because the warehouse has a new look and a new sign. **Exploring New Port from an Agricultural Warehouse** Nothing has changed; it’s the same as it has been for 40 years. Here, it seems the fragrance of rice fields still lingers, belonging to agricultural New Port. However, it has started to offer more diversified functions than before. Warehouse No. 25 has become an important spot for wandering around New Port, a great place to learn about and feel the charm of New Port. It is also a member of the "New Port Cultural and Recreational Circle," linking various facilities in New Port together to document the essence of this place.
