Taipei Zhongshan Hall

White Paper on Public Service 1. Preface The Taipei Zhongshan Hall (known as the Taipei Assembly Hall during the Japanese Colonial Period) was established in 1936. It was the place where the ceremony of accepting Japan’s surrender to the Taiwan Province of the China War Zone was held after the defeat of Japan in 1945. After the restoration of Taiwan, it functioned frequently as a venue used by the government to hold important ceremonies and assemblies, such as the Constitution Congress and the inauguration of the president, etc. In 1968, the Zhongshan Hall was returned to the Taipei City Government under the Department of Civil Affairs. The Zhongzheng Auditorium, the Guangfu Auditorium and the Fortress Hall were also open for assemblies and cultural/artistic exhibitions or performances. In 1992, the Ministry of the Interior classified the Zhongshan Hall as a second-level historical building. In 1999, the Department of Cultural Affairs of the Taipei City Government was established, with the Zhongshan Hall under its authority. In January 2002, the Zhongshan Hall reopened after a three-month renovation. At present, it functions as a “professional theater” for the public to hold music, theatre or dance performances. It is an important venue of culture and arts in Taipei City. 2. Services: (1) Venues The Zhongzheng Auditorium of the Zhongshan Hall reopened in January 2002, and the Zhongshan Hall Square and the Guangfu Auditorium opened in February and June of the same year. Also, the Amateur Theater opened in November that year. a. The Zhongzheng Auditorium The main function of the Zhongzheng Auditorium is for the public to hold music, theatre or dance performances. The Zhongzheng Auditorium has modern stage facilities, suitable for holding various artistic performances for local performing groups, institutions or schools. b. The Guangfu Auditorium The function of the Guangfu Auditorium is more extensive, and it is mainly used a venue where the public can hold artistic/cultural exhibitions or performances, academic activities or general assemblies. The City Government encourages the public to use the Guangfu Auditorium by giving 60% discount on the rental fee. c. The Square The Zhongshan Hall Square is not only used by the public for leisure activities but also by local performing groups, institutions or schools for artistic/cultural activities. d. The Amateur Theatre In the Amateur Theatre of the Zhongshan Hall, close to Wuchang Street, the public or street artists can hold performances for free. Applicants only need to register at the MOZH and can use the venue for free. (2) Facilities a. There are an extensible stage, multi-functional rigging system, lighting system, audio system in the Zhongzheng Hall (the Auditorium). There are 1,122 seats, including four seats for handicapped persons. Please see “technical information of the Zhongzheng Auditorium” for details. b. The Guangfu Auditorium is a multi-functional venue, which can accommodate 400 to 500 persons. It is very suitable for conferences, small-sized stage drama, symposiums and product presentations. c. The Square, the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Statue Park and the Amateur Theatre all feature chairs for use by the public. There is also a small-sized stage in the Amateur Theatre for use by performers or street artists. d. Parking lot: For the convenience of performing groups, a parking lot is provided. e. Security service: There are three guardrooms in the Zhongshan Hall. There is a layout of service points put at the entrance, and 24-hour guards and security staff ensure the safety of the public. f. Single service window: People can contact the Venue Application Counter of the Business Section of the Zhongshan Hall directly when applying for the venue. Desks and chairs are also provided for use by applicants. g. Eight facilities for the disabled: (a) Ramps: there are four ramps for the disabled located at main routes. (b) Wheelchairs: there are three wheelchairs at the main entrance. (c) Toilets: there are two toilets for the disabled. (d) Parking space: there are three parking spaces for cars and three for scooters on the Square. (e) Seats: four seats for the disabled in the Zhongzheng Auditorium. (f) Service system: there are a service bell sign and two service bells on the Square. (g) Braille boards: there are Braille boards to mark space and toilets. (h) Public phones: there are eight public phones for the disabled in the venue. (2) Guided Tours and Information: a. Guided tours are available every Monday and Wednesday. MOZH will arrange the schedule upon receiving the reservation. b. The Information Counter provides various services including program information, lockers, and services for the disabled. (3) Promotion service: a. MOZH will do promotion for the venues through quarterly programs and the monthly Culture Express. The website of the Zhongshan Hall will also be continuously updated with the latest programs. b. In order to increase and enhance the quality of service, MOZH also recruits volunteers satisfy the demands of the audience. (4) Visitors’ feedback: a. There is a feedback box at the main entrance of MOZH. Comments or opinions on services of MOZH are welcome. Replies will be provided quickly. b. MOZH will also collect visitors’ opinions through questionnaires to improve services for the public. 3. Organization: Currently there are 48 employees in MOZH, including 9 office staff, 32 technicians and 7 guards. A director is assigned by the Department of Cultural Affairs to undertake administrative matters and supervise employees. MOZH is divided into: (1) Business Section: in charge of venue rental, program assessment, guided tours, provision of information, program promotions, etc. (2) General Affairs Section: in charge of official dispatches, miscellaneous tasks, treasury, evaluation, official seal, property management and maintenance, etc. (3) Accounting: in charge of budgeting, accounting and statistics. (4) Personnel Manager: in charge of personnel management and assigned by the superior authority. (5) Guards: in charge of safety and security. 4. Vision of the Future: (1) The Zhongshan Hall is a national second-level historic building and a modern theatre full of cultural characteristics. The staff of the Zhongshan Hall will continue to preserve this historic building and improve current facilities in order to provide the best artistic/cultural environment in Taiwan. (2) Program promotions will be strengthened and IT service will be provided for the convenience of the public to get program information. (3) The Zhongshan Hall will raise the quality of service, enhance staff training, carry out polite service, meet visitors’ needs, improve administrative measures and provide the best service. (4) The Zhongshan Hall will strengthen interactions with the community to bring artistic/cultural activities into the community and make them a part of daily life.