National Taipei University of Business (NTUB) successfully concluded the “Spirit Landmark Public Art Design Competition” in late November. Centered on the university’s mascot, the owl, and incorporating the school motto “Gong Neng Hong Yi” (Public Spirit and Perseverance), the competition encouraged students to use art as a language to interpret NTUB’s unique “spirit landmark.” Through innovative public art practices, the event not only deepened campus aesthetics but also showcased the vision, creativity, and social engagement of the younger generation, marking a new chapter in creative education.

The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Yu-Lin Chen, Vice President of Research and Development at NTUB; Director Chuan-Feng Shih of the Innovation Incubation Center; Dean Sheng-Long Peng of the College of Creative Design and Business Management; Chair Jun-Ming Lien of the Department of Commercial Design Management; Professor Shu-Yun Chien from the Department of Digital Multimedia Design; along with several professional artists and designers from industry. The event began with discussions on the cultural value of public art in shaping spatial identity, officially launching a dialogue on artistic creation.

The competition was initiated in response to the construction of the new campus gate at NTUB’s Taoyuan Campus. In accordance with national regulations, at least one percent of the construction budget was allocated to a public art fund. Therefore, this year’s competition was conducted fully in compliance with the National Public Art Regulations, with the aim of encouraging students to apply creative thinking so that the new entrance would serve not only as a campus landmark but also as a starting point for aesthetic education at NTUB.

This year’s jury brought together experts from both academia and industry, including Dean Sheng-Long Peng of NTUB’s College of Creative Design and Business Management; Mr. Kuo-Chia Lee, Director of Lee Kuo-Chia Art Studio; Mr. Fu-Long Su, Creative Director of Shuiyue Art Co., Ltd.; Mr. Yuan-Sen Kuo, Artistic Director of Light Forest Art & Creative Research Institute; and Ms. Yen-Tzu Huang, Creative Director of Bump Creative Co., Ltd. The panel conducted a comprehensive evaluation based on creativity, aesthetics, public engagement, and technical feasibility.

Ten finalist teams presented diverse interpretations of the theme “Spirit Landmark.” The winning awards were presented to:

• First Prize: Tonight I Want Some – “Nurture”

• Second Prize: Slytherin – “Emblem of Dawn”

• Third Prize: Butterfly – “The Embrace of the Owl”

The selected works demonstrated outstanding feasibility and strong artistic potential.

Judge Fu-Long Su especially praised NTUB as the first university in Taiwan to conduct a campus public art call for proposals entirely in compliance with national public art regulations. He noted that many of the submitted works could serve as important inspirations for future campus public art planning, embodying the concept that “art can be encountered everywhere on campus.”

NTUB stated that the competition not only provided a platform for students to showcase their creativity but also marked a significant milestone in integrating education, culture, and spatial aesthetics. The university will continue to promote public art and creative education initiatives, allowing art to become a natural and indispensable part of everyday campus life.