On January 8, Chung Yuan Christian University’s Indigenous Design Program held an exhibition themed “Creative Sustainability: From Cultural Roots to Future Vision.” The showcase featured outcomes from 15 courses, highlighting the program’s dedication to deepening indigenous cultural understanding and design education.
The exhibition took place at the CYCU Xin-Shi Teaching Base, a venue reflecting tribal architectural features and educational practice. This unique location underscored the program’s commitment to cultural preservation and innovative education, showcasing its achievements in fostering cultural heritage and creative sustainability.
The exhibition highlighted students’ innovative works and design concepts, showcasing diverse creations and cultural integration from their coursework. These projects reflect the students’ in-depth exploration of indigenous culture and design practices. Even freshmen with no prior experience in art or design developed impressive skills and produced remarkable works under the meticulous guidance of their instructors and through comprehensive training.
One student shared, “At first, I lacked confidence in my design abilities, but with patient guidance from my teachers and teamwork, I realized I could create meaningful and creative works.”
The process of learning, creating, and exhibiting not only provided students with hands-on experience and a sense of achievement but also helped them rediscover their abilities and potential. The experience has instilled confidence and excitement for their future studies and design careers.
At the exhibition’s opening, Dean Chao Chia-Lin of the College of Design remarked, “The establishment and achievements of the Indigenous Design Program reflect Chung Yuan Christian University’s commitment to indigenous education and serve as a model for Taiwan’s multicultural development. The students’ creative works, blending innovation and cultural heritage, are truly impressive.”
Since its establishment, CYCU’s Indigenous Design Program has aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), securing support from the Ministry of Education and the Council of Indigenous Peoples to drive teaching innovation. The program features a multidisciplinary team of 15 professional educators from fields including design, architecture, and humanities, providing diverse learning resources for students.
The program has actively collaborated with 55 indigenous townships, churches, and related organizations across Taiwan to promote its mission, successfully increasing indigenous student participation.
Looking ahead, the program will continue to focus on holistic education, leveraging internal and external resources to cultivate indigenous design talents with a global perspective. By integrating creative design with indigenous culture, the program aims to bring indigenous heritage to a broader international stage.
