On the evening of June 1st, Taoyuan Mayor Chang San-Cheng attended the results presentation of the “Next Level Taiwan-US Hip-Hop Night.” Mayor Chang stated that Taoyuan is the youngest city among the six municipalities, and he expressed gratitude to the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) for bringing the U.S. State Department’s long-standing “Next Level Hip-Hop Exchange Program” to Taiwan, choosing Taoyuan as the host city. Through a series of activities such as training workshops and showcase performances, the program promotes the exchange and development of hip-hop culture. The evening’s outstanding performances fully demonstrated Taoyuan’s urban vitality. The city government will continue to support hip-hop culture and hopes that the participants will apply what they have learned, ensuring that hip-hop culture continues to thrive and develop vigorously in Taoyuan.
AIT Deputy Director Jeremy Cornforth stated that hip-hop culture is a significant cultural link between Taiwan and the United States. He thanked the five artist mentors from the Next Level program for their dedicated guidance, allowing all performers to shine on stage. He also expressed gratitude to the Taoyuan City Government for collaborating to complete this exchange program and jointly promote the inheritance and development of hip-hop culture.
Junious Brickhouse, the director of the Next Level program, noted that this year (2024) marks the 10th tour year of Next Level, and Taiwan is the 56th country on the tour. Establishing connections with local communities is the program’s primary goal. The equipment used in this program will later be transferred to the Taoyuan Art Facilities Management Center for use, with the hope that the Taoyuan City Government will continue to promote hip-hop culture and foster cultural exchanges between Taiwan and the United States.