TAIPEI.- An exhibition entitled Van Gogh: the Flaming Soul showcasing more than 70 drawings and 20 paintings by Vincent van Gogh from the Kröller-Müller Museum’s collection is to open at the National Museum of History in Taipei (Taiwan) in December. In preparation, a delegation from the Kröller-Müller Museum travelled to Taipei at the end of October to discuss the various aspects of an exhibition of this scale with those involved. Topics of discussion vary from transport, security, light and climate conditions to the design of the rooms and the content and appearance of the accompanying catalogue.

The exhibition wants to introduce the Taiwanese public to the work of Vincent van Gogh. It is the first Van Gogh exhibition to be organised in a Mandarin (Chinese) speaking country. United Daily News Group is sponsoring the exhibition. In the Far East it is customary for a media company or major newspaper to act as main sponsor.

As well as the preparations that need to be made at the Kröller-Müller Museum, a considerable deal of preparatory work also needs to be undertaken at the museum in Taipei. Good progress has already been made. Fortunately, a number of colleagues in Taiwan speak good English; this improves mutual communication.

Having a media company as sponsor means that a great deal is happening in the way of PR: in addition to an announcement on the wall of the museum, large format advertising has been placed along the elevator of one of the city’s most important subway stations.