The Miaoli County Government has secured funding from the Ministry of Culture to implement the "2024 Miaoli County Community Empowerment and Village Culture Development Plan." This initiative aligns with the goals of promoting learning cities, healthy cities, and age-friendly cities. Part of this plan, the "Joyful Pottery Life Project" has been organized with both a vertically integrated and horizontally expansive cooperative mechanism across departments. Pottery handcraft courses have been planned to encourage community elders to participate in various outdoor activities for a healthier and happier life. Registration is open until August 9, 2024 (Friday). Members at Bag-Gung Care Stations are invited to sign up.
The core concept of the "Joyful Pottery Life Project" revolves around the themes of "Orange Economy and Healthy Living." The project includes pottery experience courses with the help of the county's pool of pottery instructors. The teacher of Said Pottea, Luo Hong-yu, will lead classes under the theme of "Handcrafted Pottery, A Pottery-Inspired Life." The course begins with an overview of pottery shaping techniques, an introduction to several common methods, and the details and skills to be mindful of when making pottery. Participants will gain an understanding of the unique characteristics of pottery and create everyday utensils through hands-on practice. Small class demonstrations will guide elders to craft their own items as they experience the therapeutic power of art aesthetics, while also fostering intergenerational collaboration and dialogue.
County Magistrate Chung Tung-chin noted that over 100,000 residents in Miaoli County are aged 65 and above, which accounts for 18% of the total population, making Miaoli an aging county. Community care centers are not just service providers but also crucial bridges connecting community emotions. Through diverse activities and thoughtful services, these centers offer comprehensive care and support to the elderly and strive to create a warm and cooperative community environment.
Lin Yan-fu, Director of the Culture and Tourism Bureau, highlighted Miaoli's rich and diverse cultural heritage, which is characterized by mutual prosperity and harmony among different ethnic groups. The county is currently promoting three major craft types, including wood carving, pottery, and rush weaving. The "Joyful Pottery Life Project" focuses on the pottery industry, integrating community-empowerment efforts with elements of life and fun. Using clay as a medium, professional craftsmen will lead participants in understanding the local pottery industry through practical experience, gradually achieving educational promotion and cultural rooting. The ultimate goal is sustainable development, which not only promotes traditional crafts but also values and advances local culture. Registration details can be found on the Culture and Tourism Bureau website (https://www.mlc.gov.tw/) or the "Miaoli County Community Empowerment" Facebook page. For more information, please contact Mr. Weng at the Tourism Promotion Section of the Culture and Tourism Bureau, Miaoli County at 037-352961 (ext. 417) or the Miaoli County Community Empowerment Promotion Team at 037-256600 or 0905-880067.