Fragment of Identity:
A Collecting Strategy for Taiwan House

After experiencing one of the world's longest periods of martial law, lasting 40 years (1947-1987), Taiwan has only been reborn as a democratic country for 28 years. Compared to other well-developed nations, it is a relatively young democracy. Before it transitioned to democracy, Taiwan endured multiple waves of colonial regimes and immigration, resulting in a modern composition that is both diverse and extremely complex. This diversity reflects the influence of various cultures, while the complexity stems from the current political situation with its neighbour, China.

Since Taiwan embarked on its path towards democracy, accompanied by the rise of nationalism, establishing a distinct modern Taiwanese identity has become a collective mission among new generations. This effort is not limited to the culinary field but is especially evident in the cultural scene. In this paper, I will examine Taiwan's complex history using democracy as a narrative thread, which is undoubtedly the core value of modern Taiwanese people. I will also explore Taiwan's presence in the international art and cultural scene, analysing the impact of political pressures on Taiwan's representation.

Accompanying this paper is a collecting strategy for an envisioned Taiwanese cultural institute. I observed that many countries have cultural institutes in London dedicated to promoting their culture and language, whether government sponsored or not. These institutes serve as a form of soft power diplomacy, and I believe this approach could be a significant breakthrough for Taiwan, as there is currently no 'Taiwan House' anywhere in the world. I also noticed that most museums have permanent collections that act as the core and value of the institution, which cultural institutes often lack. This is an effective way to establish cultural identity, leading to my research question: "Why does Taiwan House need a permanent collection?"