NTMoFA opens international exhibition ‘Of Anarchy in Music: More Journeys in Sound’
The exhibition “Of Anarchy in Music: More Journeys in Sound,” co-presented by the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts (NTMoFA) and France’s National Museum of Modern Art - Centre Pompidou, was inaugurated on Apr. 12. Minister of Culture Li Yuan, NTMoFA Director Chen Kuang-yi (陳貺怡), Director Franck Paris of the French Office in Taipei, curator Marcella Lista, and other distinguished guests attended the opening ceremony. Minister Li remarked that Taiwan and France have long shared a deep cultural affinity, exemplified by the introduction of Taiwanese cinema to French audiences, along with the translation of Taiwanese comics and books. He noted that this cultural resonance stems from both countries’ ability to generate creativity from disorder and chaos, as well as their shared openness to the fusion of technology and art. Director Chen noted that the exhibition explores sound as an art form, featuring highlights from the Centre Pompidou’s prestigious collection—works spanning from 1974 to 2024—alongside five newly commissioned pieces by Taiwanese artists. Director Paris praised the collaboration between NTMoFA and the Centre Pompidou as a vital platform for fostering intercultural dialogue and artistic exchange, underscoring its spirit of experimentation, boldness, transformation, internationalism, and freedom of expression. According to NTMoFA, the exhibition, divided into eight sections, features 30 artworks from 14 countries. These art pieces gathered showcase pivotal experiences from the past twenty years at the crossroads of experimental music, sound installation, audiovisual composition, sonic environment, and acoustic performance. The exhibition runs through Jul. 6. For more information, visit the NTMoFA official website and Facebook page.

NTMoFA opens international exhibition ‘Of Anarchy in Music: More Journeys in Sound’

2025-04-17
The exhibition “Of Anarchy in Music: More Journeys in Sound,” co-presented by the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts (NTMoFA) and France’s National Museum of Modern Art - Centre Pompidou, was inaugurated on Apr. 12. Minister of Culture Li Yuan, NTMoFA Director Chen Kuang-yi (陳貺怡), Director Franck Paris of the French Office in Taipei, curator Marcella Lista, and other distinguished guests attended the opening ceremony. Minister Li remarked that Taiwan and France have long shared a deep cultural affinity, exemplified by the introduction of Taiwanese cinema to French audiences, along with the translation of Taiwanese comics and books. He noted that this cultural resonance stems from both countries’ ability to generate creativity from disorder and chaos, as well as their shared openness to the fusion of technology and art. Director Chen noted that the exhibition explores sound as an art form, featuring highlights from the Centre Pompidou’s prestigious collection—works spanning from 1974 to 2024—alongside five newly commissioned pieces by Taiwanese artists. Director Paris praised the collaboration between NTMoFA and the Centre Pompidou as a vital platform for fostering intercultural dialogue and artistic exchange, underscoring its spirit of experimentation, boldness, transformation, internationalism, and freedom of expression. According to NTMoFA, the exhibition, divided into eight sections, features 30 artworks from 14 countries. These art pieces gathered showcase pivotal experiences from the past twenty years at the crossroads of experimental music, sound installation, audiovisual composition, sonic environment, and acoustic performance. The exhibition runs through Jul. 6. For more information, visit the NTMoFA official website and Facebook page.
Taiwan film ‘Yen and Ai-Lee’ wins top prize at Asian Pop-Up Cinema
The Taiwanese film “Yen and Ai-Lee (小雁與吳愛麗),” directed by Lin Shu-yu (林書宇), received the Grand Jury Feature Film Award at the 19th Asian Pop-Up Cinema (APUC), held in Chicago, the U.S., from Mar. 20 to Apr. 13. The film “Yen and Ai-Lee” follows a young woman who attempts to reestablish her life and self-identity by exploring her own inner past and prospect. According to the judging panel, they are impressed by the director’s techniques for filming in black and white and actress Hsia Yu-chiao (夏于喬)’s performance in the movie. Additionally, “The Uniform (夜校女生),” directed by Chuang Ching-shen (莊景燊), was one of the recipients of the Audience Choice Award. Actor Chen Bo-lin (陳柏霖) and actress Chen Yan-fei (陳姸霏) were also honored with the Bright Star Award. This year marked the first time APUC held a juried competition, presenting awards including the Grand Jury Feature Film Award, the Best Short Film Award, and the Francis Kwong Memorial Award (Best New Director). Supported by the Taipei Cultural Center of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago, APUC featured eight Taiwanese films this year, including “Dead Talents Society (鬼才之道),” “Old Fox (老狐狸),” “Hunter Brothers (獵人兄弟),” “Doubles Match (乒乓男孩),” “Growing Up (小畢的故事),” and “My Favorite Season (最想念的季節).” For more information, visit the APUC official website. (Photo credit: The Asian Pop-Up Cinema)

Taiwan film ‘Yen and Ai-Lee’ wins top prize at Asian Pop-Up Cinema

2025-04-17
The Taiwanese film “Yen and Ai-Lee (小雁與吳愛麗),” directed by Lin Shu-yu (林書宇), received the Grand Jury Feature Film Award at the 19th Asian Pop-Up Cinema (APUC), held in Chicago, the U.S., from Mar. 20 to Apr. 13. The film “Yen and Ai-Lee” follows a young woman who attempts to reestablish her life and self-identity by exploring her own inner past and prospect. According to the judging panel, they are impressed by the director’s techniques for filming in black and white and actress Hsia Yu-chiao (夏于喬)’s performance in the movie. Additionally, “The Uniform (夜校女生),” directed by Chuang Ching-shen (莊景燊), was one of the recipients of the Audience Choice Award. Actor Chen Bo-lin (陳柏霖) and actress Chen Yan-fei (陳姸霏) were also honored with the Bright Star Award. This year marked the first time APUC held a juried competition, presenting awards including the Grand Jury Feature Film Award, the Best Short Film Award, and the Francis Kwong Memorial Award (Best New Director). Supported by the Taipei Cultural Center of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago, APUC featured eight Taiwanese films this year, including “Dead Talents Society (鬼才之道),” “Old Fox (老狐狸),” “Hunter Brothers (獵人兄弟),” “Doubles Match (乒乓男孩),” “Growing Up (小畢的故事),” and “My Favorite Season (最想念的季節).” For more information, visit the APUC official website. (Photo credit: The Asian Pop-Up Cinema)
National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra welcomes new director OuYang Hui-kang
The Ministry of Culture held a ceremony to mark the leadership transition at the National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra (NTSO), as outgoing acting director Lin Li-ju (林麗如) passed the torch to her successor, OuYang Hui-kang (歐陽慧剛). The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Culture Lee Ching-hwi (李靜慧), Chung Yuan Christian University (中原大學) Board Chairman Chang Kuang-cheng (張光正), NTSO resident artist Gwhyneth Chen (陳毓襄), former NTSO director Su Chung (蘇忠), and other distinguished guests. Deputy Minister Lee expressed gratitude to Lin Li-ju for her leadership during a crucial transitional period, acknowledging her efforts in promoting Taiwan’s classical music on the international stage. She also highlighted OuYang’s extensive experience in both performance and management, emphasizing his potential to further develop music education in Taiwan and elevate works by Taiwanese musicians to global prominence. OuYang affirmed his commitment to enhancing the NTSO’s artistic excellence and fostering innovation while deepening the orchestra’s role in music education. He emphasized his vision of strengthening the NTSO’s brand and expanding its global presence. As the NTSO approaches its 80th anniversary, the orchestra sees this leadership transition as the beginning of a new chapter. They reaffirmed their dedication to preserving tradition while embracing innovation, bringing new vitality to Taiwan’s music culture to ensure Taiwanese musical heritage continues to thrive.

National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra welcomes new director OuYang Hui-kang

2025-04-11
The Ministry of Culture held a ceremony to mark the leadership transition at the National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra (NTSO), as outgoing acting director Lin Li-ju (林麗如) passed the torch to her successor, OuYang Hui-kang (歐陽慧剛). The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Culture Lee Ching-hwi (李靜慧), Chung Yuan Christian University (中原大學) Board Chairman Chang Kuang-cheng (張光正), NTSO resident artist Gwhyneth Chen (陳毓襄), former NTSO director Su Chung (蘇忠), and other distinguished guests. Deputy Minister Lee expressed gratitude to Lin Li-ju for her leadership during a crucial transitional period, acknowledging her efforts in promoting Taiwan’s classical music on the international stage. She also highlighted OuYang’s extensive experience in both performance and management, emphasizing his potential to further develop music education in Taiwan and elevate works by Taiwanese musicians to global prominence. OuYang affirmed his commitment to enhancing the NTSO’s artistic excellence and fostering innovation while deepening the orchestra’s role in music education. He emphasized his vision of strengthening the NTSO’s brand and expanding its global presence. As the NTSO approaches its 80th anniversary, the orchestra sees this leadership transition as the beginning of a new chapter. They reaffirmed their dedication to preserving tradition while embracing innovation, bringing new vitality to Taiwan’s music culture to ensure Taiwanese musical heritage continues to thrive.
Late poet Li Kuei-hsien conferred posthumous presidential citation
Renowned poet Li Kuei-hsien (李魁賢) passed away on Jan. 15 at the age of 87. At his memorial service on Apr. 6, Minister of Culture Li Yuan presented a presidential citation in recognition of Li Kuei-hsien’s pioneering contributions to Taiwanese poetry. The citation was received on his behalf by his son, Li Ssu-fei (李斯棐). The late poet made his debut with the poem “Sakura (櫻花)” in 1953 when he was still a student at the Tamsui Junior High School. In 1956, he joined the Modernist, a poetry club led by Chi Hsuan (紀弦). He published his first poetry collection, “Columbarium and Others (靈骨塔及其他)” in 1963 and joined Li Poetry Society (笠詩社) the following year. Additionally, he dedicated himself into translating German literature, especially the poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke, leaving a profound impact on Taiwan’s poetry. Li received numerous prestigious honors, including the National Award for Arts, the National Cultural Award, and the Wu San-lien Literary Award (吳三連文學獎). He was also nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature by an Indian poetry society in 2001, 2003, and 2006. His poetry has been translated into several languages, such as Japanese, Korean, Romanian, Greek, Spanish, and Mongolian. Among the distinguished guests in attendance at the memorial service were President Wang Sea-fue (王錫福) of National Taipei University of Technology, Director Chen Ying-fang (陳瑩芳) of the National Museum of Taiwan Literature, and Chairman Lin Chi-yang (林淇瀁) of the National Culture and Arts Foundation.

Late poet Li Kuei-hsien conferred posthumous presidential citation

2025-04-11
Renowned poet Li Kuei-hsien (李魁賢) passed away on Jan. 15 at the age of 87. At his memorial service on Apr. 6, Minister of Culture Li Yuan presented a presidential citation in recognition of Li Kuei-hsien’s pioneering contributions to Taiwanese poetry. The citation was received on his behalf by his son, Li Ssu-fei (李斯棐). The late poet made his debut with the poem “Sakura (櫻花)” in 1953 when he was still a student at the Tamsui Junior High School. In 1956, he joined the Modernist, a poetry club led by Chi Hsuan (紀弦). He published his first poetry collection, “Columbarium and Others (靈骨塔及其他)” in 1963 and joined Li Poetry Society (笠詩社) the following year. Additionally, he dedicated himself into translating German literature, especially the poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke, leaving a profound impact on Taiwan’s poetry. Li received numerous prestigious honors, including the National Award for Arts, the National Cultural Award, and the Wu San-lien Literary Award (吳三連文學獎). He was also nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature by an Indian poetry society in 2001, 2003, and 2006. His poetry has been translated into several languages, such as Japanese, Korean, Romanian, Greek, Spanish, and Mongolian. Among the distinguished guests in attendance at the memorial service were President Wang Sea-fue (王錫福) of National Taipei University of Technology, Director Chen Ying-fang (陳瑩芳) of the National Museum of Taiwan Literature, and Chairman Lin Chi-yang (林淇瀁) of the National Culture and Arts Foundation.
MOC reveals 110 ‘Taiwan Culture Base’ selections
The Ministry of Culture (MOC) announced the results of the inaugural “Taiwan Culture Base” submissions on Mar. 31, revealing 110 selected cultural sites and institutions, each of which will receive NT$500,000 in prize money. Minister of Culture Li Yuan noted that the “Taiwan Culture Base” program has been a key priority since he assumed office. In addition to aligning with the Executive Yuan’s “National Six Major Regional Industries and Living Perimeters” initiative, the program aims to highlight the collaborative achievements of the public and private sectors. The MOC emphasized that the program, which runs on a two-year cycle, received 1,026 submissions. Following a rigorous review by 21 cultural industry experts, 110 winners were selected from 205 finalists. These winners represent seven categories, including craft centers, performance venues, independent bookstores, cultural museums, community-building organizations, historical sites, and audiovisual hubs. The list of selected “Taiwan Culture Base” sites can be accessed on multiple platforms, including the MOC’s official website, the Taiwan Cultural Landscape website, and the Taiwan Community Platform. Additionally, the MOC will host a presentation at Huashan 1914 Creative Park in Taipei on May 3.

MOC reveals 110 ‘Taiwan Culture Base’ selections

2025-04-02
The Ministry of Culture (MOC) announced the results of the inaugural “Taiwan Culture Base” submissions on Mar. 31, revealing 110 selected cultural sites and institutions, each of which will receive NT$500,000 in prize money. Minister of Culture Li Yuan noted that the “Taiwan Culture Base” program has been a key priority since he assumed office. In addition to aligning with the Executive Yuan’s “National Six Major Regional Industries and Living Perimeters” initiative, the program aims to highlight the collaborative achievements of the public and private sectors. The MOC emphasized that the program, which runs on a two-year cycle, received 1,026 submissions. Following a rigorous review by 21 cultural industry experts, 110 winners were selected from 205 finalists. These winners represent seven categories, including craft centers, performance venues, independent bookstores, cultural museums, community-building organizations, historical sites, and audiovisual hubs. The list of selected “Taiwan Culture Base” sites can be accessed on multiple platforms, including the MOC’s official website, the Taiwan Cultural Landscape website, and the Taiwan Community Platform. Additionally, the MOC will host a presentation at Huashan 1914 Creative Park in Taipei on May 3.