Sustainable Development Goals
Abstract/Objectives
The rush weaving industry in Yuanli boasts a 300-year history and was one of Taiwan's top three export products during the Japanese colonial period. It has been a significant community craft industry, preserving the development and harmonious coexistence of the Pingpu, Minnan, and Hakka ethnic groups. However, it declined over time. In 2023, I initiated the "Rush Weaving Craft School" project in collaboration with several "Intangible Cultural Heritage Preservers," focusing on connecting traditional craftsmanship with the younger generation and promoting the "Taiwan Hand-Rush Brand" to revitalize the industry and ensure sustainable development. Additionally, I organized the "Taiwan Rush Creation Award," collaborating with over a hundred young talents to integrate marketing, education, design, and tourism resources to drive local industry transformation. We also partnered with National United University's USR project to achieve interdisciplinary outcomes and foster the regeneration of community industries.
Results/Contributions （500 words）

Sustainability Program Overview

  1. Technique Documentation & Digitalization: Record traditional rush weaving techniques and convert them into digital teaching materials to preserve this valuable craft.
  2. Craft Workshops & Certification: Offer rush weaving courses, train new-generation artisans, plan exhibitions, and establish a certification system to attract youth participation.
  3. Youth Career Empowerment: Provide training and internships to develop local talent through fieldwork opportunities.
  4. Design Talent Workshops: Host workshops with marketing and cultural experts to create innovative, market-driven products through surveys, increasing craft value.
  5. Craft Competitions & Events: Organize the "Love Rush Craft Award" with online voting, exhibitions, and publications to promote commercialization and expand marketing channels.
  6. Craft Festival & Community Integration: Combine the Rush Grass Festival with local resources, featuring themed markets, family-friendly workshops, and performances to boost tourism and the local economy.
  7. "Taiwan Hand-Rush" Craft Brand: Develop a brand focused on craftsmanship, tradition, and innovative design to improve product value, industry resilience, and the craft environment.

Impact and Outcomes

  1. Talent Development: Trained 61 young artisans (average age 40) within five years, collaborating with veteran artisans and designers to revitalize traditional crafts.
  2. Economic Growth: Quadrupled rush weaving product output over 12 years, driving community economic growth and addressing local industry challenges.
  3. Cultural Preservation: Published books documenting rush weaving techniques to strengthen cultural heritage preservation.
  4. Industry Revival: Launched the "Taiwan Hand-Rush" brand with profit-sharing models, encouraging farmers to grow rush grass and fostering sustainable development.
  5. Community Care & Ecological Restoration: Promoted eco-friendly farming, hosted agricultural and craft activities, and integrated cultural and ecological elements to attract tourists and boost local tourism value

 

Keywords
Cultural Heritage EducationRural RevitalizationReed Grass Craftsmanship
References