Department for Youth, Taipei City Government(青年局英文網)

On July 10th, the team from the Department for Youth, Taipei City Government, visited Songshan Cultural and Creative Park (Songshan CCP) to gain insights and learn from its operational experiences. The team was warmly welcomed by Director Chen Yu-hsiu, Deputy Director Tai Xing-lei, and the Songshan CCP team. Formerly a tobacco factory, Songshan CCP has become a popular spot for both Taipei residents and tourists, serving as a leisure hub and a must-visit destination in the city.

During the visit, the Songshan CCP team shared their journey over the past decade in space planning and management, as well as their experience in nurturing the cultural and creative industries and fostering youth engagement in public affairs through the “Idea Taipei” initiative. They highlighted Songshan CCP’s unique approach to supporting creative industries by providing professional consultancy services to help businesses test the market and continuously refine their business models, ensuring all businesses at Songshan thrive.

The team from the Department for Youth toured various areas of Songshan CCP to understand the different ways spaces are utilized. Young creators demonstrated how they upcycle discarded basketballs into creative products like planters and phone cases, showcasing Songshan's commitment to sustainability and innovation. These products not only give new life to discarded materials but also reflect the young generation’s emphasis on environmental protection and creative spirit.

Commissioner Wei Yin of the Department for Youth, Taipei City Government, expressed that each division of the department could benefit from Songshan CCP’s experience. The Planning Division could learn from the “Idea Taipei” initiative in public engagement; the Career Support Division should provide holistic support from the early stages through to market entry, learning from Songshan's approach to evolving market styles. Songshan serves as a strong example in this regard. The Global Engagement Division could explore ways to build connections with the world through venue-based initiatives. In terms of venue optimization, the department should also learn to leverage public-private partnerships to transition from single-space planning to integrated space utilization, maximizing the potential of the facilities.

Commissioner Wei emphasized the hope for more resource-sharing and collaboration opportunities between the Department for Youth and Songshan CCP in the future to jointly create a more youth-friendly Taipei. The department looks forward to drawing inspiration and experience from this visit to shape future youth development programs and to work together with Songshan CCP to foster a more creative and dynamic city.

This visit not only deepened the Department for Youth's understanding of Songshan CCP but also strengthened mutual exchange and cooperation, laying a solid foundation for future collaboration. The Department for Youth looks forward to further collaboration with Songshan CCP to promote the development of cultural and creative industries and provide more opportunities for innovation and growth for young people.