Xingang Cultural Center, Warehouse No. 25 Introduction
【Sharing the Four Seasons】
In the autumn of 2009, during the traditional harvest season when farmers were busy, a special exhibition at the Xinguang Cultural Center's Warehouse No. 25 attracted considerable attention and moved many. The farmers captured on camera earnestly expressed themselves.
I am a warehouse, I am an exhibition hall
The mottled brick walls and the natural light coming in correspond to each other. This special exhibition hall was not merely built to display artworks; its original purpose was to support agriculture. Even though it has transitioned into a different role today, it remains an organic space that coexists with nature and the twenty-four solar terms.
The Xinguang Cultural Center is a building owned by the Xinguang Township Farmers' Association. It was self-constructed in 1963, measuring 36 meters in length, 8.8 meters in width, and 4 meters in height. Designated as Warehouse No. 25, it welcomed countless trucks carrying harvested rice, filled with smiles or tears, whether a bountiful or poor harvest. Agriculture has always been the most important industry in Xinguang. However, due to policy adjustments, the space gradually became underutilized.
Provided by the Farmers' Association, created by the Xinguang Cultural and Educational Foundation
With such a large and complete idle space, should it not be utilized for something?
In Taiwan's traditional agricultural towns, the two largest organizations are usually the Farmers' Association and the Township Office. In Xinguang, the Township Mayor is the former chairman of the Xinguang Cultural and Educational Foundation and a former director of the Xinguang Farmers' Association. Through this channel of communication, the Xinguang Cultural and Educational Foundation negotiated with the Xinguang Farmers' Association in 2003, which agreed to allow free use of the space, transforming it into a venue for arts and cultural performances. Initially, simple equipment was brought in to hold exhibitions and classes. On August 26, 2008, it was officially named the "Xinguang Cultural Center ‧ Warehouse No. 25" and became a local cultural hub, hoping to revive the cultural life of Xinguang.
【A Quiet, Light-Filled Space】
Inside Warehouse No. 25, the space retains a large amount of its original flavor without any embellishments.
Respecting the character of the space
Architect Zhuo Qingquan respected the original character of the space, preserving elements like wooden trusses, mottled red bricks, and cement walls, along with small ventilation windows and cast iron windows on the roof. Upon entering, visitors can appreciate artwork and the artists' philosophies without feeling distant; the natural light streaming in adds a touch of warmth and familiarity, creating a more relaxed atmosphere. Farmers who originally used the space should not hesitate to step inside just because the warehouse has a new look and a new sign.
Exploring Xinguang from the Agricultural Warehouse
Nothing has changed; it has been the same for 40 years. It feels as if the fragrance of rice fields still lingers here, belonging to Agricultural Xinguang. However, there is now a greater variety of functions. Warehouse No. 25 has become an important stop for wandering around Xinguang, a great place to get to know and feel the beauty of Xinguang. It is also part of the "Xinguang Art and Lifestyle Circle," connecting different facilities in Xinguang and together documenting its story.
