The word “Salon” was first to describe a space open to discussion, storytelling, and artistic gatherings.

THE LAIR, a salon in Xindian, is based in a former military residence with over 70 years of history, runs by a young artist couple, Ai & Keiran, and maintains its unique atmosphere.

Over 160 species of plants occupy THE LAIR. THE LAIR’s good boy, Kody, and his snake roommate, Sydney, welcome guests to the salon.

In addition to tea, alcoholic beverages, and tasty treats, THE LAIR offers a variety of services. Purchase of antique furniture, house plants is available. The salon also provides reserved Artist’s Home-dining and Tarot card reading services, along with lectures & topic events hosting.

In the past decade, THE LAIR has hosted hundreds of various cultural events and community gatherings, providing a social space for struggling artists, young individuals who are afraid to pursue their dreams, new graduates who feel lost in society, and lonely foreigners living in Taiwan. It has become a platform for networking and exchanging opinions, ideas, and artistic works. THE LAIR has also established a symbiotic community structure, creating a place where those wanderers can find a "home" of their own.

In 2015, the 17-year-old artist, Ai, returned to Taiwan after studying in the United States. He moved into an abandoned military residence left by his family and gathered a group of teenagers aged 15 to 17 to join hands in organizing and repairing the old house. Together, they developed this space into a symbiotic community where everyone supports each other.

The majority of the young participants involved in the construction of The Lair community are either studying in art-related disciplines or working in artistic fields. Many of these young individuals were runaways or those who have experienced trauma, loss of motivation, heartbreak, unemployment, or school dropouts.

THE LAIR has existed in the form of a "home" and has practiced the concept of a "symbiotic community" for nearly 10 years. Through the power of mutual assistance, this group of young artists and kids with artistic aspirations support each other, providing a sense of belonging. They embrace and stimulate each other's true essence and talents, collaboratively creating a haven for healing within the community.

In 2022, with the support of THE LAIR community, Ai and his husband, Keiran, decided to open THE LAIR in the form of a “salon” to everyone, allowing more people to participate side by side in this gentle revolution.

After the gallery is completed, we aim to provide a free platform for more young artists to showcase their work. In addition, we want to facilitate the occurrence of various courses, guest lectures and events by having ample space and resources.

THE LAIR’s gallery’s interior design combines the concepts of the traditional “black box” theater and the traditional “white box” gallery, applying 98% light absorbing black paints, creating a space with both visual and sense of a borderless void. Exhibited artworks are like windows levitated by the void, reflecting the soft surrounded spotlights. Meanwhile, audiences can sit on the raised-up tatami and wooden floor, as if experiencing a space odyssey on a magic carpet ride. Plus the close zoom projector and stereo systems, The Lair’s gallery is a space suitable for hosting various art exhibitions, theater & music performances, lectures & talks, yoga & meditation events…presenting with versatility while still maintaining its strong characteristic.

Without exception, every stranger who stumbled upon THE LAIR found a sense of belonging here.

The completion of the art gallery also provides us with more opportunities to promote the concept of a “symbiotic community.”We hope that through this venue, we can connect with more groups and spaces that share a similar ideal. Together, we aim to gradually establish the “Salon Symbiotic Community Alliance,”organizing regular seminars to exchange experiences in community management, share resources, and grow alongside each other.

In the days to come, THE LAIR wishes to create more diverse platforms, host more events, connect with individuals in the art community, and establish a network for sharing resources and individual capabilities. Together, we aim to move towards a truly “communal, co-creative, symbiotic, and cooperative” community.

Not just artists, we hope that every person visiting THE LAIR can feel accepted and welcomed through the salon or symbiotic community and also get to know more like-minded companions.

Managing such a community comes with a cost, and the transition we are going through is indeed a challenging journey. Our workload has significantly increased, and many planned projects are delayed due to the lack of funds and resources. Unstable income and cash flow also contribute to the growing pressure, putting THE LAIR at the risk of closing at any time.

We believe that in this society, where marketing is so competitive, there is a need for human warmth and the power of the community to embrace those oppressed by the capitalist systems, those who are unable to demonstrate their talents or realize their dreams as aspiring individuals.

We not only invite you to support THE LAIR’s vision, but we also hope you can personally join us. We kindly invite you to visit THE LAIR and have a chat with us.

We kindly invite you to become a FRIEND of THE LAIR by sponsoring THE LAIR with a monthly donation of 300 NTD or a one-time donation of 1000 NTD(or more). Through the donation, you will support the operation of the salon and symbiotic community and help us build this home that belongs to everyone.yone.

The funds will allow us to complete the gallery and implement physical facilities. This will allow THE LAIR to continue its operation and welcome even more individuals in need.

The funds will allow the gallery to begin its operation. Every month, we will invite an artist without ample resources to exhibit for free at “THE LAIR’s Gallery,”providing them exposure and experience. At the same time, we will facilitate audience connections between THE LAIR’s salon and gallery, creating a win-win situation for both departments. In addition, the gallery space will also be utilized for hosting more accessible lessons and activities, bringing art into the daily lives of the public.

The funds will allow the entire community to achieve operational stability, and part of the funds will be used to assist other spaces in transitioning into “symbiotic communities.” We will gradually establish the blueprint for the “Salon Symbiotic Community Alliance,”spreading the spirit of “love and mutual assistance” to even farther places.