Federation of International Human Rights Museums Asia-Pacific

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The Historical Scenarios of the White Terror in Taiwan

Cinema and Censorship in Authoritarian Taiwan

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Members' Events

Hoda Afshar's portraits pay tribute to Refugees and Whistleblowers

2022-06-23

Means Without End Means Without End Date: Saturday 28 May 2022 to Sunday 17 July 2022 Time: Open 11am to 5pm Wednesday to Saturday, and 1pm to 5pm on Sundays Location: Counihan Gallery, 233 Sydney Road (inside Brunswick Town Hall), Brunswick 'Means Without End' offers a unique opportunity to view two recent projects by artist Hoda Afshar side by side. 'Remain' (2018) is a series of photographic portraits of men who were detained on Manus Island. The collaborative project involves these men retelling their individual and shared stories through staged images, words, and poetry. 'Agonistes' (2020) is a tribute to whistle-blowers who have spoken out in the name of truth and justice. They did so at a terrible personal cost. Hoda Afshar was Born in Iran and is now based in Narrm (Melbourne). She began her career as a documentary photographer. This influences her poetic investigation into the representation of gender, marginality, and displacement. Afshar is also a member of Eleven, a collective of contemporary Muslim Australian artists, curators, and writers. Eleven challenges the current politics of representation and power. Suitable for This exhibition includes video and sound content. Because of the varied sensory experience on display, this exhibition may be a difficult environment for visitors who experience sensory overload. Content note: This exhibition includes mentions of suicide, abuse and mental health issues. Contact Counihan Gallery Phone: 03 9389 8622 Email: CounihanGallery@moreland.vic.gov.au Further information For exhibition updates you can follow the Counihan Gallery Instagram Page. You can also go to the Counihan Gallery Facebook pagethe Counihan Gallery Facebook Page. Hoda Afshar is represented by Milani Gallery. To find out more, visit the Milani Gallery website. There is a Counihan Gallery Learning Resource to accompany this exhibition. To download your copy, visit our Learning at the Counuhan Gallery Page. Means Without End is in the New Gallery.

Taiwan's Long Walk to Freedom of Speech

2022-05-16

Taiwan's Long Walk to Freedom of Speech Time: Apr. 7th, 2022-Apr. 7th, 2024, 0900-1800, Monday-Sunday Venue: Chang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Permanent Exhibition Hall In October 1945, after the KMT took over Taiwan, many state violations and suppression of human rights cases occurred. After the outbreak of the Korean War in June 1950, President Chiang Kai-shek strengthened the authoritarian system with economic and military assistance from the United States, which further suppressed Taiwan's freedom of speech. It was only after the lifting of martial law in 1987 and the termination of the Period of National Mobilization for the Suppression of the Communist Rebellion in 1991 that the authoritarian regime ended. However, as to freedom of speech, it was until the abolishment of the Betrayers Punishment Act in 1991 and the revision of Article 100 of the Criminal Law in 1992 that the people of Taiwan were free from intimidation from the State. Since then, freedom of speech has been guaranteed. Taiwan is now an advanced democracy in East Asia, and it ranks among the top in the protection of freedom of speech. "Taiwan's Long Walk to Freedom of Speech" focuses on the progress of freedom of speech in Taiwan. Based on the historical context from 1945 to the present, the exhibition is divided into the following units to present Taiwan's arduous journey from authoritarianism to freedom and democracy. 1. The Formation of the Speech Suppression System 2. 1945-1949: Taiwan's Media Catastrophe and the "April 6 Incident." 3. the 1950s: "Free China" and the Struggle regardless of Provincial Identifications 4. the 1960s: The Fearless Figures under the Suffocation of Speech 5. the 1970s-1980s: Setbacks and Breakthroughs of Dang-Wai Collective Actions 6. 1987-1992: Sacrifice and Crash on the Last Mile 7. Conclusion: Challenges of the New Era

Exhibition “Stand for Democracy in Myanmar”

2022-04-26

Since 1 February 2021, Myanmar has been in turmoil as the Myanmar Army, known as the Tatmadaw, detained State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint following a general election which Suu Kyi’s NLD party won by a landslide. The coup d’état led by General Min Aung Hlaing brought an end to a decade of semi-democratic rule and returned full power to the military, a state of emergency and gross human rights abuses. Courageously, the population has been resisting and demanding the release of the imprisoned leaders, as well as a booming number of prisoners and the restoration of democratic rule. A massive Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) has emerged and hundreds of thousands continue to take to the streets in spite of the military’s use of lethal force against protesters. Amidst the failure of the international community to take action, atrocities are being committed on an increasing scale, with the opposition National Unity Government (NUG) in exile resorting to form the People Defense Force and justify armed resistance. As of 15 March 2022, 1672 people are confirmed killed by the junta coup and a total of 9625 people are currently under detention. In total, 84 people are sentenced to death, in person and absentia, including two children. In the midst of global worries, it is more crucial than ever to keep Myanmar on the public agenda. In solidarity with the democratic movement in Myanmar, SEA Junction and Human Rights Art Initiative (HuRAI), with the support of Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD) and Asia Democracy Network (ADN), are therefore organizing the exhibition “Stand for Democracy in Myanmar” on the 3rd floor of Bangkok Art and Culture Center (BACC) from 26 April to 8 May 2022. The thirteen artworks are produced by Marcelo Brodsky, an Argentine artist who advocates visual narratives through photography, installations, monuments, and work that combines text and images. Images of the demonstrations against the coup during the Myanmar Spring triggered him to create work in solidarity with the protesters, creating a visual experience for larger groups to engage—aestheticising the snapshots from the demonstrations, leaving resulting effects for mobilization. He activates personal and collective memory, communicating a message of resistance hoping to connect people across time and space, ending up working at the crossroads between visual art, poetry, and human rights activism. Stand for Democracy in Myanmar leverages visual art to raise public awareness of and to express solidarity with the cause of the civil movement in Myanmar and their struggle for freedom, democracy and human rights. The exhibition at the BACC is part of a larger program of art shows and events at art institutions and museums around the globe which mobilize visual artists in support of the CDM and the democratically mandated NUG. Brodsky’s artworks have been exposed at the Tokyo Institute of Photography, Kunsthall 3,14 (Bergen, Norway) and most recently at Photobastei (Zurich, Switzerland).

The Historical Scenarios of the White Terror in Taiwan

2021-11-24

The Historical Scenarios of the White Terror in Taiwan: The Exhibition on Jing-Mei White Terror Memorial Park Jul. 26th, 2021- Dec. 31st, 2021 Venue: National Human Rights Museum- Jing-Mei White Terror Memorial Park (131, Fuxing Rd., Xindian, New Taipei City, Taiwan) The National Human Rights Museum is the first human rights museum in Asia to be located at the site of injustice. Since its establishment in 2018, it has taken "human rights" as its core value to restore and represent the space. Building it into a room for continuous dialogue and reflection is also an essential task of the National Human Rights Museum to promote transformational justice. The thematic exhibition of Jing-Mei White Terror Memorial Park is knowledgeable and promotes the public's understanding of the authoritarian regime and allows mutually conflicting opinions obtained in the exhibition hall, providing an opportunity for communication. The exhibition provides visitors with a structured and contextual introduction of the complex history of the White Terror era that is based on the viewpoint of human rights. It also tries to guide the audience to reflect on the connection with contemporary times after understanding the human rights violations of authoritarian rule.

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2025 International Symposium on Cultural Trajectories Call for Papers

2025-05-22

Building on the 2024 symposium theme, “Cultural Trajectories—Dialectics of Cultural Value: Dialogue and Practice,” the 2025 International Conference introduces “Cultural MBTI” as a conceptual framework for exploring the diverse forms, logics, and trajectories of culture in the present moment. “MBTI” here signals an invitation to rethink culture through the lens of variation, adaptation, and relationality—emphasizing how cultures perceive, react, evolve, and connect in response to shifting environments. Sub-theme 1: Cultural Multiple｜The Plural Forms of Cultural Governance 1. Data-driven cultural policy and decision-making models 2. Decentralized and participatory governance mechanisms 3. Practical challenges and institutional design in local cultural governance 4. The impact of emerging technologies on cultural heritage management 5. Civic participation and practices of cultural democracy Sub-theme 2: Cultural Bridge｜Bridging and Reconfiguring Cultural Values 1. The reconfiguration of cultural value and impact assessment in the age of technology 2. Financial sustainability practices for arts and cultural organizations within the creative economy 3. Ethical and intellectual property concerns of AI in content production 4. Cultural branding and city marketing through arts festivals and creative events Sub-theme 3: Cultural Transformation｜Shifts and Co-Creation within the Cultural Ecosystem 1. Digital transformation and organizational innovation in arts institutions 2. Collaborative models for local revitalization and cultural regeneration 3. Ecosystem approaches to cultural sustainability 4. Social innovation and cultural interventions Sub-theme 4: Cultural Identity｜Narratives and Imaginations of Identity 1. Decolonial practices and emerging multilingual cultural heritage policies 2. Digital technologies and their impacts on identity representation, heritage interpretation, and cultural equity 3. Museum exhibitions and the representation of ethnic diversity and the politics of memory 4. Community participation in shaping identities through performances and festivals Sub-theme 5: Cultural MBTI｜Personality Typologies of Culture and Cultural Work 1. The “cultural personalities” and professional competencies of workers in the cultural and creative industries 2. The development of cultural leadership and vision 3. Comparative analyses of cultural labor conditions and policy recommendations Sub-theme 6: Open Topics｜Expanding the Framework of Cultural MBTI This sub-theme invites experimental, interdisciplinary, and critical contributions that expand the Cultural MBTI framework. We especially welcome work addressing marginal, underexplored, or emerging cultural issues. Open Topics offers a space to explore culture as a dynamic intersection of knowledge, technology, and values. It encourages forward-looking perspectives and inclusive approaches to cultural practice and theory. Sub-theme 7: Approaches｜New Thinking and Methodologies in Cultural Research and Practice This sub-theme explores emerging methodologies that reflect the evolving complexity of cultural research and practice. We invite contributions that draw on experimental formats, artistic methods, or non-representational theory (NRT). Approaches encourage cross-disciplinary dialogue and welcomes unconventional, practice-based, or non-verbal research. It aims to expand the methodological dimensions of the Cultural MBTI framework and bridge academic and professional inquiry. Sub-theme 8: Cultural Human Rights from an Asia Pacific Perspective A special session co-organized with the Federation of International Human Rights Museums-Asia Pacific (FIHRM-AP) 1. How can cultural governance defend and promote cultural human rights? 2. What are the implications of digital networks and AI for cultural rights? 3. Decolonial practices and cultural revitalization in the Asia-Pacific region 4. Labor rights and working conditions within the arts and cultural sectors Organizer: Graduate School of Arts Management and Cultural Policy, College of Humanities, National Taiwan University of Arts Dates: November 21 (Friday) – 22 (Saturday), 2025 Venue: International Conference Hall, 10th Floor, Teaching and Research Building, National Taiwan University of Arts Please visit the "2025 Cultural Trajectories Symposium Official Website" for more information: www.amcp2025cts.com

THE NINTH ISSUE OF NEWSLETTER AND FEATURE ARTICLES RELEASED

2024-10-18

Silent Erosion: Museums and Environmental Justice Editorial Notes Today’s rapid environmental changes and extreme weather events are having an overwhelming impact on society, the economy, and the environment. Now more than ever, it is crucial to consider how the power of museums and storytelling as well as making effective use of available tools and resources can raise public awareness about these environmental crises. This has become an important issue and a shared responsibility for all. This issue of FIHRM-AP, titled The Silent Erosion: Museums and Environmental Justice, focuses on how museums and archives can raise public awareness of environmental pollution and climate change by using their educational and promotional strengths to inspire reflection, dialogue, and proactive action. Visual storytelling also plays an important role in climate change awareness, as its powerful imagery and emotional impact help draw outside attention to local climate crises. The feature "Promotional Initiatives of the Minamata Disease Museum" highlights the educational outreach efforts of the Minamata Disease Center Soshisha in Japan. Activities including photo workshops and storytelling are helping participants learn about the history of Minamata disease. These efforts to engage with the public have encouraged people to consider the issues underlying environmental disasters and promoted understanding and reflection on environmental topics. The second article, "The Power of Visual Storytelling in the Times of Climate Crisis," introduces "Visualising Climate Crisis," a visual storytelling mentoring program by the NOOR Foundation, headquartered in the Netherlands. 12 visual storytellers from Southeast Asia were invited to document the destruction and challenges caused by climate change in order to bring attention to the connections between environmental changes and the fate of humanity. "A Case Study of NMNS's Special Exhibition ‘Climate Action: Our Future x Our Choice,’" a special article written by Associate Researcher Jhen-Yuan Yeh of the National Museum of Natural Science, examines from a museum’s perspective how such institutions can bring to life the abstract issue of climate change through exhibitions that merge both virtual and physical aspects. These exhibitions can better help visitors feel the urgency of the climate crisis and inspire them to take action. Faced with this silent but ongoing erosion of our environment, we must explore diverse approaches to drive change together and create a fairer and more just future for our planet.

THE EIGHTH ISSUE OF NEWSLETTER AND FEATURE ARTICLES RELEASED

2024-08-26

Stubborn Resistance: Museums during War and Conflicts Editorial Note The complex and volatile geopolitical environment of the Asia-Pacific region gives rise to frequent regional conflicts and human rights abuses, forcing upon many the fate of exile and displacement. The stories of those who have experienced such hardships have been recorded and disseminated through art exhibitions, museum collaborations, and community action, each voicing the resilience and determination of their creators. These collaborative initiatives are sometimes promoted through general museums or even by a single individual in the form of unconventional museums. This issue of FIHRM-AP features five articles on how efforts to resist the oppression of human rights are underway in Myanmar, Tibet, Hong Kong, and Cambodia. They not only reveal the tenacity and innovation of museums under the fire of conflict, but also how they have given voice to the exiled and oppressed. Through art and documentation, they etch their marks on history and evoke solidarity and support among more people. The first article, "Community-driven Memorialization and Identity Preservation of the Rohingya of Myanmar" by Rohingya Human Rights Network founder Raïss Tinmaung, discusses the crisis of identity erasure of the Rohingya people in Myanmar, the escalating ethnic cleansing and conflict, and the global Rohingya community's active efforts to digitally preserve village sites, identity records, and personal histories. The second article approaches from a perspective within Myanmar. Written by Aung Min, "Aung Mental Health Initiative: A Window to A long Rooted Complex Trauma in Myanmar" shares how Yangon residents, long shadowed by the stressors of conflict, have suffered from mental illnesses, drug abuse, and poverty. Through art therapy and film-making projects, Aung Clinic not only provides a more inclusive space for dialogue and expression for patients and their mental health but also documents the psychological landscape of Myanmar. The third news article is written by Wen-Hsin Chang, a research assistant in the exhibition team at the National Museum of Taiwan History. Titled "Diasporic Memories in Taiwan: Life Journey of Tibetans in Exile," Chang shares how the museum collaborated with the Tibetan exile community in Taiwan to hold workshops to narrate their personal exile experiences and paths of migration, shedding light on the complex marginalization faced by Tibetans due to political sensitivity and how it has forced many to remain hidden in society. The article "The 2023 Hong Kong Liberty Art Prize: Art and Human Rights Advocacy across Borders," written by curator Alric Lee, discusses how exhibitions are strategically leveraging resources in the Asia-Pacific region to promote human rights advocacy in the face of political pressure and the implementation of the National Security Law. Such regional cooperation has resulted in gained solidarity and support from many countries. The fifth article, "The Cambodian Landmine Museum: One Mine, One Life," is authored by long-time museum supporter Bill Morse. After the long civil war in Cambodia, tens of thousands of landmines were left behind. The museum, born out of the self-initiated removal of these landmines, is now dedicated to clearing out landmines, providing related education, and opening village schools.

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THE NINTH ISSUE OF FIHRM-AP - A Case Study of NMNS's Special Exhibition “Climate Action: Our Future x Our Choice”

2024-10-18

About the author: Dr. Jen-Yuan Yeh With a Ph.D. degree from the Institute of Computer Science and Engineering at National Chiao Tung University, Dr. Yeh currently serves at the National Museum of Natural Science (NMNS) as an associate researcher in the Department of Collection and Information and the Section Chief of the Library and Information Service. About National Museum of Natural Science (NMNS) Located in the center of Taichung City, the National Museum of Natural Science (NMNS) is the first state-owned science museum and the first institute to promote natural sciences through daily practice. The permanent exhibitions feature galleries and spaces including Space Theater, 3-D Theater, Life Sciences Hall, Global Environment Hall, Human Cultures Hall, and Botanical Garden in an array of themes that serve great educational purposes. With an average of about three million visitors every year, NMNS is known as the most popular museum with natural history in Taiwan. A Case Study of NMNS's Special Exhibition “Climate Action: Our Future x Our Choice”

THE EIGHTH ISSUE OF FIHRM-AP - The 2023 Hong Kong Liberty Art Prize: Art and Human Rights Advocacy across Borders

2024-08-26

About the Author: Alric Lee Alric Lee is the co-founder of Lady Liberty Hong Kong (LLHK) and the Japan Hong Kong Democracy Alliance (JHKDA). Born in Hong Kong, Lee studied abroad in the UK and the US. He later obtained a master’s degree in architecture from the University of Tokyo in 2017 and worked as an architectural designer locally following graduation. During the 2019 Hong Kong anti-extradition movement, Lee founded the LLHK team and together created Lady Liberty Hong Kong, a statue based on a frontline protester in Hong Kong. The statue quickly became a main visual symbol of the Hong Kong democracy movement. After the passing of the Hong Kong National Security Law in 2020, Lee moved to Japan to operate the LLHK team. He has since then organized advocacy events in the forms of art exhibitions and seminars in Tokyo, Taipei, and Canada, continuing to promote democratic issues faced by Hong Kong to civil society through the medium of art. In 2023, Lee co-founded the JHKDA to bring these issues to the Japanese political arena through lobbying and public activities. About Lady Liberty Hong Kong and Japanese Hong Kong Democratic Alliance Both the Lady Liberty Hong Kong and the Japanese Hong Kong Democratic Alliance are grassroots organizations. The former was established during the anti-extradition movement in 2019. They were merged into one organization on April 1, 2024, and the original members will collaborate to expand the team's functions. They are committed to supporting the Hong Kong democracy movement through various forms of activities, regional advocacy, and policy research projects, establishing a foundation for the voices of Hongkongers in East Asia. The 2023 Hong Kong Liberty Art Prize: Art and Human Rights Advocacy across Borders

THE EIGHTH ISSUE OF FIHRM-AP - The Cambodian Landmine Museum: One Mine, One Life

2024-08-26

About the author: Bill Morse Bill Morse and his wife Jill lived in Palm Springs, California for over 20 years. In 2003, they learned about Aki Ra's mission to clear landmines in Cambodia. Inspired, they founded the Landmine Relief Fund, a US 501c3 charity, to support him. Bill frequently traveled to Cambodia to help Aki Ra, who had adopted over two dozen children. In 2007, they helped establish Cambodian Self Help Demining (CSHD) after Aki Ra was ordered to stop his demining efforts. CSHD was certified in 2008, and in 2009, Bill and Jill moved to Cambodia to continue their work. Jill advises the Landmine Relief Fund and its programs. About the Cambodia Landmine Museum and Aki Ra Aki Ra, born in 1970, is a celebrated figure dedicated to making Cambodia safe from landmines. Taken by the Khmer Rouge at age 5, he fought in various armies for nearly 35 years. In the early 1990s, he worked with the UN to clear landmines around Angkor Wat. He founded the Cambodian Landmine Museum and Relief Center in 2007 and the Cambodian Self Help Demining organization in 2008. After retiring from active demining in 2023, he focused on running the museum and raising awareness about landmines. The Cambodian Landmine Museum: One Mine, One Life

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