By Roseline Gao
KAOHSIUNG — Visiting artists and writers can apply for short stays at Takao Sogood Bridge (打狗好好橋) in exchange for artwork or writing about Kaohsiung. The community space will also host free events in November, including a photography exhibition and a craft gathering.
Takao Sogood Bridge is based in a house built in 1967 near Sanmin Market (三民市場). The building originally served as a government staff residence. It stood vacant for more than a decade after being sold to a private owner. Restoration began in 2021, and the house reopened in 2022 as a shared space for artists and community groups. The first floor hosts art and community events. The second floor has a room for visiting artists and writers, while the third serves as a shared studio.
Some local artists have used the third-floor studio without paying rent. In return, they helped care for the house by feeding the cats, watering plants, and cleaning. The house also offers short stays for visiting writers and artists who document the nearby Sankuaicuo neighborhood (三塊厝) or create artwork inspired by Kaohsiung. Malaysian embroidery artist Carmen Law stayed at the house through an art exchange. Her work featured the Kaohsiung Light Rail, Rainbow Church in Cijin, and a nearby snack shop. Details of the short-stay programs are available in the application form.
In addition to providing studio space and short stays, Sogood Bridge also hosts exhibitions and other events. From Nov. 2 to 8, the second floor will feature Stacked Time (時間堆疊小微影像展), a free photography exhibition open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Photographer Ah-Jin (阿金) uses naturally aged film to show how time, temperature and humidity leave marks on the images. During the same week, Taoyi Coffee (陶逸咖啡) will run a pop-up café on the first floor. It will serve pour-over and cold-drip coffee, along with handmade desserts.
On Nov. 9 from 1:30 to 5 p.m., the house will hold a free craft gathering (手作老屋). People who enjoy drawing, embroidery, or knitting can bring their own materials and work quietly alongside other hobbyists. Advance registration is required because space is limited. The house will also host a free cat adoption event (冬日貓咪送養會) on Dec. 6 from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can meet cats looking for homes and speak with volunteers about the adoption process.
Takao Sogood Bridge is in Sanmin District (三民區), about a 10-minute walk from Cianjin MRT Station (前金站) on the Orange Line and 10 to 12 minutes from Sankuaicuo Railway Station (三塊厝站). More information is available on its official website. Further updates are available on its official Facebook page and Instagram page.
