The International Organization of Scenographers, Theatre Architects and Technicians (OISTAT) has awarded Taipei the rights to host the World Stage Design (WSD) 2017, thanks to joint efforts by the Taiwan Association of Theatre Technology (TATT) and TNUA.
Minister of Culture Dr. Lung Ying-Tai joined TNUA President Prof. Yang Chyi Wen and other administrators of the university in a press conference to announce the news on January 9.
Dr. Lung lauded TNUA and TATT for their efforts to secure the rights to host the four-yearly event, as well as those behind-the-scene stage technicians and designers who have been devoted to helping refine Taiwan's performing arts.
Prof. Yang stressed that the WSD 2017 honor attests to the strengths of Taiwan's theatre sector and proves that through the power of arts and culture Taiwan can shine on the International stage.
OISTAT selected Taipei after four months of evaluation, impressed by TATT's and TNUA's experiences in organizing international events and their planning for the 2017 edition. Furthermore, the TNUA campus is an ideal place to host the event.
The event started in 2005, with Toronto being the host city, followed by Seoul in 2009 and Cardiff in 2013.
Starting from 2013, the Prague-based Scenofest has been incorporated into WSD, which means WSD 2017 – which will be co-organized by TATT and TNUA – will feature competitions, as well as performances, lectures and workshops.