Introduction

Like living water, craft flows continuously between tradition and innovation, unlocking new possibilities through intergenerational dialogue and practice.

For years, the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute (NTCRI) has championed the "Craft New Talent" project. By establishing a collaborative network between universities and master artisans, the initiative guides the younger generation to take craft as their starting point. By synthesizing contemporary design thinking with modern lifestyle needs, these young creators explore new roles and values for craft in modern society. This year, the project centers on two core themes: "Sustainable Development in Practice" and "Digital Technology as Support and Extension." It guides youth creators to respond to pressing environmental, technological, and cultural challenges through material innovation, cultural translation, digital applications, and lifestyle design.

With "The Fluidity of Living Water" (Huo-shui man-liu) as its central axis, the exhibition draws its curatorial inspiration from the concepts of cyclical flow and cross-disciplinary integration embodied by a "living pool of craft." The exhibition gathers teams from six major higher education institutions—Shih Chien University, National Nyang Ming Chiao Tung University, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, National Taichung University of Science and Technology, Ling Tung University, and National Dong Hwa University—to showcase a diverse array of outcomes sparked by the convergence of craft heritage, design innovation, and technological application.

The exhibited works explore themes such as sustainable living, digital fabrication, smart design, cultural translation, material recycling, and memories of the land. Utilizing diverse materials including bamboo, rush (lin-tso), tribal clay, recycled silver, and various circular or composite media, the creators employ rich craft forms such as bamboo weaving, digital ceramics, rush weaving, metalsmithing, lacquer art, and wild-clay pottery. Simultaneously, they integrate cutting-edge digital techniques like 3D printing, parametric design, and smart sensors. The results demonstrate how young creators leverage cross-disciplinary integration and innovative thinking to tackle the challenges of sustainable development and technological transformation, while rethinking the role and value of craft in contemporary life, cultural heritage, and industrial application.

From rediscovering cultural roots to conducting cross-disciplinary experiments with novel materials and techniques; from translating and innovating traditional craft knowledge to designing future ways of living—this exhibition is far more than a showcase of youth design achievements. It is a vibrant platform for exchange and dialogue on the future of craft. As the youth generation reinterprets craft in their own creative language, forging fresh connections between sustainability, technology, and culture, craft becomes an ever-flowing stream of living water. Converging and co-creating across generations and disciplines, it continues to expand the future horizons and chapters of Taiwanese craft.

Exhibition Information

Exhibition Title: 2026 Craft New Talent: Youth Craft and Design Exhibition
Dates: July 5, 2026 – July 19, 2026
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00–17:00 (Closed on Mondays, except national holidays)
Venue: 1F, Regional Craft Hall, National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute (NTCRI)
Address: No. 573, Zhongzheng Rd., Caotun Township, Nantou County