Mango Foot Cultural Sharing Space

Historical Context: The Baolai area of Kaohsiung City was severely damaged by Typhoon Morakot. Residents undertook reconstruction through the 'Baolai Humanity Association,' integrating local resources to promote industry and community development, showcasing an innovative spirit. The association was established in 2010 (99th year of the ROC calendar), formerly known as the 'Baolai Reconstruction Association,' focusing on talent cultivation, community care, and craft development, particularly the establishment of the Mango Foot Cultural Sharing Space, which became an important symbol of community cohesion. Cultural Connotation and Story: Mango Foot embodies local rural memories and serves as a central hub for culture and craftsmanship. The association operates from three perspectives – life, ecology, and production – promoting the inheritance of elders' skills, intergenerational learning, and craft courses. It also collaborates with local schools to design cultural education programs. Professional courses such as pottery, plant dyeing, and baking not only enhance residents' skills but also integrate culture into daily life. Traditional Crafts and Features: The association is dedicated to creating a 'place of returning to a simple life,' combining crafts and skills such as pottery, plant dyeing, and kiln baking, deepening cultural heritage through community co-learning. Facilities within the space, such as clay walls and bamboo woven walls, are constructed using local natural materials, completed through the collaborative efforts of residents and volunteers, embodying the philosophy of 'coexisting peacefully with nature.' Pottery, as one of the core craft items, offers residents comprehensive learning opportunities from creation to firing through community workshops. It is not merely a cultural exhibit but is integrated into daily use within the space, emphasizing that 'art originates from life.' Plant dyeing uses local plants like Dioscorea cirrhosa and mahogany as dyeing materials, promoting natural and eco-friendly dyeing techniques. It encourages local women to participate in learning and creation, becoming an important part of local specialty products. Wood-fired kiln baking is another major feature; from kiln construction to baking techniques, everything is completed by community residents and volunteers, conveying a spirit of unity and cooperation. Kiln baking techniques are also integrated into daily catering and activities, becoming a highlight of community culture. Crafts as a Vehicle for Cultural Transmission: The association invites professional instructors to teach craft skills, attracting local women and younger generations to participate in learning, allowing pottery, plant dyeing, and other handmade crafts to be continued and innovated. Through learning and practice, participants gradually become skilled artisans and pass their techniques on to the next generation. These crafts are not only a display of culture but also an important source of livelihood for residents, contributing to the sustainable development of the community economy. Practice of Lifestyle Aesthetics: Handmade crafts are integrated into daily life, with pottery bowls and plates, and plant-dyed fabric products embodying the concept of 'life is art.' These craftworks are not only used within the community but also showcased and sold, allowing outsiders to appreciate Baolai's cultural value. The Sharing Space: The Mango Foot Cultural Sharing Space has become a multifunctional cultural base, combining crafts with spatial aesthetics, connecting small farmers with specialty industries, and offering hands-on and experiential learning opportunities. It attracts over ten thousand visitors annually, with cumulative visitors exceeding 150,000. The association integrates natural resources and cultural characteristics, promoting a diverse economic cycle centered on 'life, environment, and industry.' Through educational and cultural activities, it uncovers local cultural value, making Mango Foot a comprehensive space for empowerment, co-learning, care, exhibition, and reconstruction documentation. It attracts visitors to participate and gain a deeper understanding of Baolai's cultural heritage. Concurrently, the sale of craft products provides stable income for the association and residents, supporting further cultural heritage development projects.