Abstract
In Taiwan, performing arts resources are unevenly distributed while venue management faces structural challenges. Small and medium-sized arts groups often “live a nomadic life,” and its relationships with venues are limited to one-way rental, therefore it’s difficult to accumulate long-term artistic energy. This study is aimed to explore how a resource-limited arts organization, based on their control of physical venues, sort out financial issues and strengthen brand influence and international competitiveness, through the business strategy and cross-disciplinary practices of “group-venue symbiosis.”
The study focuses on “Wan Theater” in Wanhua Dist., Taipei. Its uniqueness is: Taiwan’s first professional theater that is self-funded by troupe, a restored century-old historical building in accordance with the Cultural Heritage Preservation Act, with independent operation. The analysis finds that this model successfully transforms the tremendous pressure of heritage restoration, and develops a unique business operation mechanism. First, establish a dual-track structure, separating the “troupe” from the “independent company,” supporting artistic activities through commercial revenue, and improving financial resilience. Second, adopt the “garage” strategic metaphor, regarding a physical venue as an international bargaining chip, converting the team from a resource seeker to a “platform provider,” advancing international Artist-in-Residence programs and the Monga International Dance Festival, etc., to establish global connections.
This symbiotic model creates comprehensive benefits in heritage preservation, community engagement, financial independence, and global network. It not only breaks through dependence on government subsidies but also demonstrates how arts organizations can transform physical space maintenance into brand equity, providing a strategically valuable development path for small and medium-sized arts organizations in Taiwan, under such a complex environment, to achieve sustainable development.