Smithsonian Institution Scholars Visit Taiwan to Promote Cultural Diversity and Community Engagement

PR-1713E | Date: 04/26/2017

The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) is honored to collaborate with Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture to co-host two Smithsonian Institution Scholars, Mr. Jared Koller (archeologist) and Mr. Jasper Waugh-Quasebarth (anthropologist) to visit Taiwan and conduct a series of outreach programs from May 1-7, 2017.

Over the seven day program, the two scholars will conduct lectures and presentations, host roundtable discussions, attend meetings, and visit cultural and historical sites island-wide. They will share their experience working with the Smithsonian Institution and on international projects, as well as U.S. best practices in community engagement. They will also discuss how museums and other cultural sites can use new technology in exhibits and outreach.

Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian - America’s National Museum - is the world’s largest museum and research complex, consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park, nine research facilities, mainly in the Washington D.C. area, and more than 200 Smithsonian Affiliates locate in 45 states, Puerto Rico, and Panama. The visit by the scholars will provide Taiwan’s museum professionals, researchers, and indigenous groups an opportunity to collaborate with one of America’s premiere cultural institutions to discuss reaching public audiences through international collaboration and information technology.

“Taiwan is an island full of historical influences, cultural diversity, and heritage treasures. We hope that Mr. Koller and Mr Waugh-Quasebarth’s visit to Taiwan, with their expertise in anthropology and archaeology, and the experience of one of America’s premier cultural institutions - the Smithsonian - will introduce innovative trends, spark inspiring conversation and partnership between U.S. and Taiwan museums, and provide information on how community engagement can be enhanced in museums. AIT is delighted to partner with Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture for this unique exchange,” said AIT American Center Director Alys Spensley.

Media are welcome to cover the two public events held at the National Taiwan Museum on May 2 and at the National Museum of Prehistory on May 5. The two speakers and AIT staff will be available to answer press questions at the event venues related to the visit. Interested media outlets please contact AIT to make arrangements to register to attend in advance.

Taipei City - Lecture at National Taiwan Museum

• Date: Tuesday, May 2 at 3:20 p.m. – 4:40 p.m.
• Venue: National Taiwan Museum - Land Bank Exhibition Hall 3F
  No.25, Hsiang-Yang Rd., Taipei City
• Topic: Community Engagement and Participatory Methods in Museums
• Speakers: Mr. Jasper Waugh-Quasebarth, Anthropologist
  Mr. Jared Koller, Archaeologist
• Participants: 90 people maximum. This event is open to scholars, students, researchers and museum professionals of associated disciplines and people who are interested in the topic. Press must register in advance to attend.
• Interpretation: Consecutive Interpretation will be provided.
• Application: Free admission. Advance registration online is required. Please visit the registration page here for more information.

Taitung City – Lecture and Workshop at the National Museum of Prehistory

• Date: Friday, May 5 at 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Venue: National Museum of Prehistory, 2058 Room
  No.1, Museum Road, Taitung City
• Topic: Community Engagement and Participatory Methods in Museums
• Speakers: Mr. Jasper Waugh-Quasebarth, Anthropologist
  Mr. Jared Koller, Archaeologist
• Participants: 50 people maximum. This event is open to scholars, students, researchers and museum professionals of associated disciplines and people who are interested in the topic. Press must register in advance to attend.
• Interpretation: Consecutive Interpretation will be provided.
• Application: Free admission. No registration is required for the general public to attend.

For more information about the programs, please stay tuned to the AIT Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/AIT.Social.Media

For more information, please contact AIT’s Public Diplomacy Section at 02-2162-2017.