National Formosa University continues to promote the development of campus arts and culture. Through performance events and cross-disciplinary participation aimed at deepening students' humanities literacy, the university held the opening event of its "Arts in Bloom" Arts and Culture Festival at the university's concert hall on 4/27 (Monday). The first event of the day specially invited singer-songwriter Wu Wen-Fang to visit the campus for a talk-and-sing performance, themed "I'm Not Always Strong, But I Keep Walking," which, through music and life stories, kicked off NFU's month-long series of arts and culture festival events.
During the talk-and-sing session, Wu Wen-Fang spoke about her own musical creative journey, recalling how during her student years she was deeply influenced by various singers, gradually shaping her personal style. She also looked back on how, after participating in the singing competition "Super Idol," her life embarked on a journey full of uncertainty and challenges. She also performed songs on site, including "The Sum of Loneliness," conveying how one can transform feelings of confusion and loneliness into the motivation to move forward courageously.
Wu Wen-Fang also encouraged the younger generation to be brave in stepping outside their comfort zones, while also taking care of their physical and mental health and maintaining adequate sleep while pursuing their dreams, continuing to grow with a more open mindset. Many students in attendance expressed that they deeply resonated with her words, feeling that the sharing session not only brought musical inspiration, but also prompted them to rethink the connections between their professional studies, life experiences, and future direction.
The opening performance featured the Indigenous Culture Club presenting the traditional Amis dance "Wrapped in a Lover's Bag" (Alufo), kicking off the event. In Amis culture, the "lover's bag" carries meanings of protection, blessing, and the conveying of affection. Through field study and repeated rehearsals, club members meticulously presented cultural details, demonstrating respect and dedication toward traditional Indigenous culture. This was followed by a saxophone performance by faculty members, presenting two classic pieces, "Happiness Is Here" and "Happy Sailing," showcasing a cultural blend of beloved Japanese songs interwoven with Taiwanese Hoklo music, echoing the festival's spirit of multicultural exchange.
NFU Dean of Student Affairs Lin Yi-Chuan stated that the Office of Student Affairs is committed to building a diverse platform for performance and learning, making the Arts and Culture Festival an important venue for students to showcase creativity and cultivate cross-disciplinary collaboration skills. NFU Vice President Fang Chao-Hsun stated that through collaboration between administrative units and student clubs, the university provides the necessary resources and guidance to support students in developing communication skills and sensitivity during the preparation process, further enriching campus life.
This year's "Arts in Bloom – 2026 Arts and Culture Festival Series" was jointly planned by NFU's Office of Student Affairs Extracurricular Activities Guidance Section, together with the Indigenous Student Resource Center and student clubs. The series of events will continue from today through May 22, and will include: the Fu Chih Youth Club's "Mother's Day Card – Passing on Gratitude," the Hip-Hop Research Club's "Cloud Tiger Hall – Joint Showcase," the Fervent Guitar Club's "Guitar Appreciation Night," the Balance Audio Control Club's "Sound Joy! Showcase," the Indigenous Student Resource Center's "Indigenous Culture Week," the Street Dance Club's "Truth in {Words}: Dance Exhibition," the Tiger Sound Wind Band Club's "Tiger Sound Wind Band – Showcase," the Flame Fire Dance Club's "Summer Showcase," and a singing competition jointly organized by 11 departmental student associations, among other events, inviting faculty, students, and local residents to participate together and experience NFU's rich arts and culture scene.
NFU stated that the Arts and Culture Festival serves as an important stage for student clubs to showcase their achievements, while also encouraging students to break down disciplinary boundaries through participation in performances, event planning, and cross-club exchange, helping them find like-minded partners and further cultivate diverse skills. The venues for this year's Arts and Culture Festival performances are centered on Huwei and radiate outward to neighboring townships, with the hope that the creativity and energy of young students can inject more youthful vitality into the local community.
Article provided by: Extracurricular Activities Guidance Section, Office of Student Affairs
