The National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Weiwuying) is proud to announce the launch of a partnership with the world-renowned Swiss watchmaker, Rolex. With Rolex becoming the Official Timepiece of Weiwuying, this milestone signifies the Center's ascent into the ranks of the world's leading cultural venues.

Pioneering Cultural Heritage: Dialogue with the World through a Contemporary Lens

This partnership represents a deep cultivation of artistic vitality. At the heart of this collaboration is a commitment to fostering high-level dialogue between international masters and the local arts stage. Through multifaceted artistic practices, including Weiwuying's signature flagship opera productions, the partnership seeks to reshape classics and traditions within a contemporary context, ensuring that a spirit of artistic excellence is preserved as a timeless cultural legacy.

Chien Wen-pin, General and Artistic Director of Weiwuying, stated: "Since our opening in 2018, Weiwuying has been dedicated to realizing the vision of "The Arts Center for All". Our deep commitment to opera, dance, and traditional theater is not only about safeguarding our cultural roots but also about seeking breakthroughs within a contemporary context. Rolex's pursuit of excellence and its steadfast commitment to artistic heritage resonates deeply with Weiwuying's strategic vision. Through this alliance, we look forward to showcasing Taiwan's unique cultural creativity on the global stage, allowing our artistry to shine with its own distinct brilliance."

John Lin, General Manager of Rolex Centre Limited Taiwan Branch, added:

"Through this collaboration, we celebrate not just tradition, but also new opportunities for creativity and cultural exchange. The performing arts transcends boundaries, unite communities, and spark dialogue, and with this partnership, Weiwuying and Rolex reaffirm our commitment to enriching cultural life here and worldwide."

A Star-Studded Future: Converging Global Masterpieces

The depth of this partnership is further evidenced by a commitment to bringing world-class artists to Taiwan.Rolex Testimonees , such as the legendary tenor Jonas Kaufmann, have previously left an indelible mark at Weiwuying.

The first chapter of this extraordinary dialogue will commence on March 21, 2026. Weiwuying will welcome the world's most sought-after countertenor, Jakub Józef Orliński, a Rolex Testimonee since 2025, who has captivated global audiences with his exquisite technique and charisma. Performing alongside the acclaimed ensemble Il Pomo d'Oro in the concert Beyond, this performance will serve as a magnificent prelude to the partnership, offering audiences a world-class feast for the senses.

Co-Creating a New Artistic Legacy: Taiwan's First Cultural Partnership

In addition to sponsoring individual talents, Rolex understands the importance of partnering with the prestigious institutions that provide the showcase for them. The company has partnerships with leading opera houses and performing arts centres of the world – Teatro alla Scala (Milan), the Royal Ballet and Opera (London), the Metropolitan Opera (New York), the Opéra national de Paris (Paris), the Teatro Colón (Buenos Aires) and the amongst others. Over the years, Rolex's arts portfolio has continued to expand and now includes the Salzburg Festival and the Whitsun Festival. It also supports one of the finest orchestras, the Vienna Philharmonic with the incomparable sound of its New Year's and Summer Night concerts.

This partnership marks the first time Rolex supports a performing arts center in Taiwan, symbolizing a shared mission to elevate the local cultural landscape and strengthen international artistic ties.

About National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Weiwuying)

An Artistic Oasis Under the Banyan Trees

Located in Kaohsiung, Weiwuying is Taiwan's largest performing arts center. Inspired by the local banyan trees, Dutch architect Francine Houben transformed the imagery of intertwined canopies into fluid, white undulating curves. The center's signature "Banyan Plaza" features a wall-less design, where a semi-outdoor steel roof mimics natural shade. By blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, the space allows breezes and light to flow freely, fulfilling the vision of being " The Arts Center for All."

The facility houses four international-standard venues, led by its iconic Concert Hall—the only one in Taiwan to feature a "vineyard-style" design. Its terraced seating surrounds the stage, providing audiences with an immersive sensory experience and exceptional acoustics.

As the world's largest performing arts complex under one roof, Weiwuying hosts over 600 annual performances by domestic and international artists, spanning opera, music, dance, circus, and traditional theater. Attracting more than 1.5 million visitors annually, Weiwuying is not only an architectural marvel but also a vital cultural hub. Through its open design, it seamlessly integrates the arts into daily life, connecting the local community with the global stage.

ROLEX AND THE ARTS

Rolex is committed to achievement in the arts, recognizing the crucial role they play in our world. Artists evoke emotions and connect people, inspiring creativity and shaping our future for the better. As an organization dedicated to craftsmanship and excellence, Rolex fosters the conditions that enable artists to reach the peak of their art.

Over five decades, Rolex has formed deep partnerships with artistic visionaries, based on their commitment to the highest standards of creativity and performance. The first was renowned soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa in 1976. Since then, the company’s role has evolved to include many other Testimonees who are world-class performers as well as relationships with institutions that enable outstanding artistic achievement.

Today, this ongoing endeavour has become known as the Perpetual Arts Initiative, a global framework encompassing architecture, cinema, dance, literature, music,

theatre and visual arts. Through its expanding partnerships with talented artists and leading institutions, Rolex aims to celebrate and support those at the pinnacle of their disciplines, uphold cultural legacy and cultivate rising talents who will reach new heights in the future.

ABOUT ROLEX

AN UNRIVALLED REPUTATION FOR QUALITY AND EXPERTISE

Rolex is an integrated and independent Swiss watch manufacture. Headquartered in Geneva, the brand is recognized the world over for its expertise and the quality of its products – symbols of excellence, elegance and prestige. The movements of its Oyster Perpetual and Perpetual watches are certified by COSC, then tested inhouse for their precision, performance and reliability. The Superlative Chronometer certification, symbolized by the green seal, confirms that each watch has successfully undergone tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria. These are periodically validated by an independent external organization.
The word 'Perpetual' is inscribed on every Rolex Oyster watch. But more than just a word on a dial, it is a philosophy that embodies the company's vision and values. Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of the company, instilled a notion of perpetual excellence that would drive the company forward. This led Rolex to pioneer the development of the wristwatch and numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism, invented in 1931. In the course of its history, Rolex has registered over 600 patents. At its four sites in Switzerland, the brand designs, develops and produces the majority of its watch components. A fifth site, also in Switzerland, is under construction and is expected to open in 2029. Rolex carries out its own manufacturing operations, from casting the gold alloys to machining, crafting, assembling and finishing the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Furthermore, the brand is actively involved in supporting the arts and culture, sport and exploration, as well as those who are devising solutions to preserve the planet.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ROLEX AND MUSIC, GO TO:

https://www.rolex.com/perpetual-initiatives/perpetual-arts

PRESS CONTACTS

Rolex Centre Limited Taiwan Branch

Penny Hung

Tel: +886 956 550 108

Email: penny.hung@rolex.com

Devries Global

Kerina Chung

Tel: +886 910 174 571

Email: KChung2@devriesglobal.com