National Formosa University (NFU) has long embraced University Social Responsibility (USR) as a core mission. Through the Talimu Cultural Park and the Talimu Living Aesthetics Center, the university actively connects local culture, arts education, and social engagement. At 10:00 a.m. on the 16th, the exhibition “Reading the Heart, Embracing the Heart” Art Dialogue Exhibition officially opened at the Talimu Living Aesthetics Center, showcasing artworks created by individuals in mental health recovery from Yunlin County. The exhibition invites the public to discover their life stories, inner emotions, and journeys of resilience and recovery through artistic expression.

The exhibition is jointly organized by National Formosa University, the Talimu Glimmer Prairie Community, the Social and Family Affairs Administration of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Yunlin County Xinlaifu Mental Health Development Association’s Juxin Clubhouse, and the Social Safety Net Program. The exhibition is executed by NFU’s Department of Multimedia Design. More than a presentation of artistic achievements, the exhibition demonstrates how NFU utilizes local cultural facilities as public platforms, providing opportunities for socially marginalized groups to be seen and heard through creative expression.

Project Director Tun-Ju Liao stated that NFU’s Department of Multimedia Design has consistently integrated University Social Responsibility into its educational mission. By utilizing the Talimu Living Aesthetics Center as a public platform, the department connects local culture, arts education, and social care. This exhibition enables individuals in mental health recovery to gain visibility and understanding through their artistic creations while demonstrating NFU’s commitment to artistic equity and social inclusion. Professor Liao further emphasized that the value of arts education lies in ensuring that everyone has opportunities to express themselves, be understood, and be respected. Individuals recovering from mental health challenges are not merely recipients of assistance; they also possess rich emotional insight, creativity, and life experiences. Through this exhibition, NFU hopes to encourage the public to move beyond stereotypes and recognize the courage and resilience reflected in their artworks.

The opening ceremony began warmly with a recorder performance of “The Moon Represents My Heart” by members of the Huwei Juxin Clubhouse, symbolizing the sense of companionship and support that the clubhouse provides, much like a family. Shu-Yuan Lin, Chairperson of the Yunlin County Xinlaifu Mental Health Development Association, explained that the Juxin Clubhouse operates according to the international Clubhouse model, emphasizing equal participation and a work-ordered day culture. This approach helps members rebuild meaningful life roles and strengthen their sense of self-worth within a supportive community.

The exhibition also features live improvisational art creation by clubhouse members. Guided tours and commentary are provided by art instructor Shu-Min Su, who helps visitors understand how artists use color, lines, and composition to process emotions, respond to life experiences, and engage in compassionate self-reflection. Following the press conference, an art experience workshop was held, allowing participants to personally experience the calmness, healing, and sense of connection that art can bring.

National Formosa University sincerely invites members of the public to visit the Talimu Living Aesthetics Center and experience the “Reading the Heart, Embracing the Heart” Art Dialogue Exhibition. Through these artworks, visitors can witness the resilience and brilliance of individuals in mental health recovery from Yunlin and join in supporting a more inclusive, understanding, and compassionate society.

Exhibition Period: May 13, 2026 (Wednesday) – July 26, 2026 (Sunday)
Venue: Talimu Cultural Park – Talimu Living Aesthetics Center (No. 27, Nanchang Road, Dounan Township, Yunlin County, Taiwan)

Reprinted from: New Voice of Yunlin