Background

In order to promote the development of digital art, in 2002 the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) initiated The Digi-Arts project; organized worldwide professionals from different backgrounds such as the arts, technology, culture, and history; and set up a Digi-Art website as an international interface for communicating and exchanging information. At the same time, related associations were established globally, attempting to encourage local artists to create digital works, integrate resources, and be part of this international connection. Taiwan, with its numerous outstanding artists and an active member of international affairs, is a key member of this digital challenge.

With the initiation of the two national cultural projects “ Challenge 2008 – National Development Plan” and “Cultural and Creative Industries” set up by the Council of Cultural Affairs under the Executive Yuan, digital art has become a focus of the national development policy. T herefore the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts and National Chiao Tung University (NCTU) will hold “ The International Symposium on Digital Art”. The cooperation is a new example representing the integration of art and technology. NCTU has a good tradition and reputation in science and engineering. Its Institute of Applied Arts has been devoted to the research of digital art over a long period of time. The National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts is an important art sanctuary in Taiwan. The symposium will unite these three units, help enhance the digital-art generation in Taiwan, produce new creative sparks from the collision of the art and technology fields, and further Taiwan's standing in becoming a member of this global digital trend.