International cartoonists gather in New Taipei; Mayor Chu Li-lun: continued support for the comics industry

The 17th ICC International Comic Artists Convention 2018 is being held in New Taipei City from yesterday (the 13th) to the 16th. Mayor Chu Li-lun, speaking at the opening event, pointed out that New Taipei City has in recent years continued to support comics-related industry activities, including anime festivals, gaming and audiovisual industries, and that it is a great honor to be the host city this year, welcoming comic masters from countries around the world, and he also welcomed everyone to get to know New Taipei City better.

Mayor Chu Li-lun said that comics enrich people's lives and also drive the development of the cultural and creative and anime industries. He hopes that through the convention, cartoonists from around the world and cartoonists from Taiwan can exchange skills and learn from each other, and he also looks forward to seeing more outstanding creations and achievements in the future.

This year's convention theme is "Comics in New Taipei. Sky Lantern Blessings." Tomorrow, nearly 200 cartoonists from various countries will gather in Pingxi, New Taipei City, famous for its sky lanterns, to jointly create a giant sky lantern installation art piece three meters tall, leaving boundless creativity and blessings in Taiwan and symbolizing lasting friendship among the comics circles of all countries. Mayor Chu Li-lun expressed the hope that the Pingxi sky lanterns and various scenic spots in New Taipei can give cartoonists inspiration and help them create more extraordinary works.

Lai Yu-hsien, chairman of the Taipei Comic Trade Union, pointed out that this year is the 4th time Taiwan has been the host, with more than 100 cartoonists from various countries gathered in New Taipei, including Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Mainland China, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and other countries all participating in the event. He hopes that with the enthusiasm of Taiwan's comics circles, cartoonists from all countries will be welcomed and experience the beauty of the island.