Taiwanese artist Chu Teh-i (曲德義) passed away on Oct. 27 at the age of 73. Upon hearing the news, Minister of Culture Li Yuan expressed his deepest condolences and commended Chu for his lifelong dedication to promoting contemporary art as well as his remarkable achievements in artistic creation and education. Born in 1952 in South Korea, Chu studied fine arts at National Taiwan Normal University, where he graduated in 1976. During his studies, he explored modern painting under the guidance of Li Chun-shan (李仲生), a pioneering figure in Taiwanese modern art. Later, he traveled to France to further his education, earning a Master’s degree in Art Design from the École nationale supérieure des Arts Décoratifs and a Master’s degree in Sculpture from the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts. Devoted to art education throughout his life, Chu served as a faculty member at the School of Fine Arts, Taipei National University of the Arts (TNUA). He also chaired the Kuandu Museum of Fine Arts preparatory committee and became the museum’s first director upon its opening. Renowned for his abstract paintings, Chu conveyed personal sentiments through a meticulous use of color and a bold exploration of spatial concepts. His works are part of the permanent collections of the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, Taipei Fine Arts Museum, and Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts. ­

MOC laments the passing of artist Chu Teh-i

2025-10-30
Taiwanese artist Chu Teh-i (曲德義) passed away on Oct. 27 at the age of 73. Upon hearing the news, Minister of Culture Li Yuan expressed his deepest condolences and commended Chu for his lifelong dedication to promoting contemporary art as well as his remarkable achievements in artistic creation and education. Born in 1952 in South Korea, Chu studied fine arts at National Taiwan Normal University, where he graduated in 1976. During his studies, he explored modern painting under the guidance of Li Chun-shan (李仲生), a pioneering figure in Taiwanese modern art. Later, he traveled to France to further his education, earning a Master’s degree in Art Design from the École nationale supérieure des Arts Décoratifs and a Master’s degree in Sculpture from the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts. Devoted to art education throughout his life, Chu served as a faculty member at the School of Fine Arts, Taipei National University of the Arts (TNUA). He also chaired the Kuandu Museum of Fine Arts preparatory committee and became the museum’s first director upon its opening. Renowned for his abstract paintings, Chu conveyed personal sentiments through a meticulous use of color and a bold exploration of spatial concepts. His works are part of the permanent collections of the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, Taipei Fine Arts Museum, and Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts. ­
Taiwanese literary collection published in Czech Republic
­With support from the Ministry of Culture (MOC), “Island at the Crossroads: Literary Map of Taiwan (Ostrov na rozcestí. Literární mapa Tchaj-wanu),” edited by Táňa Dluhošová, director of the Oriental Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, was presented on Oct. 27 at the Inspiration Forum of the Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival. The book features 30 literary works by Taiwanese authors who participated in the 2024 Authors’ Reading Month in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, showcasing the richness of Taiwanese literature and its potential to foster cultural dialogue with Eastern European audiences. The title “Island at the Crossroads” symbolizes the many intersections that define contemporary Taiwanese society—between memory and imagination, the local and the global, tradition and innovation. Dluhošová emphasized that the collection serves as a “cultural map” co-created by 30 Taiwanese writers, inviting Czech readers to explore the multifaceted identity of the island through literature. She further noted that the book includes works by Indigenous and new immigrant writers, reflecting the diversity and inclusiveness of Taiwan’s culture. “Taiwanese literature weaves together Taigi, Hakka, Austronesian, and Southeast Asian languages,” she said. Additionally, Germany-based writer Kevin Chen (陳思宏) attended the book presentation and shared his reflections on the role of Taiwanese literature in a free society. He described Taiwan as “an island of freedom,” where people enjoy the liberty to express themselves without restraint. The MOC stated that “Island at the Crossroads: Literary Map of Taiwan” is the first anthology of contemporary Taiwanese literature published in Czechia, offering Czech readers a new window into Taiwan’s culture, history, and society, as cultural exchanges between the two nations continue to deepen.

Taiwanese literary collection published in Czech Republic

2025-10-30
­With support from the Ministry of Culture (MOC), “Island at the Crossroads: Literary Map of Taiwan (Ostrov na rozcestí. Literární mapa Tchaj-wanu),” edited by Táňa Dluhošová, director of the Oriental Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, was presented on Oct. 27 at the Inspiration Forum of the Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival. The book features 30 literary works by Taiwanese authors who participated in the 2024 Authors’ Reading Month in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, showcasing the richness of Taiwanese literature and its potential to foster cultural dialogue with Eastern European audiences. The title “Island at the Crossroads” symbolizes the many intersections that define contemporary Taiwanese society—between memory and imagination, the local and the global, tradition and innovation. Dluhošová emphasized that the collection serves as a “cultural map” co-created by 30 Taiwanese writers, inviting Czech readers to explore the multifaceted identity of the island through literature. She further noted that the book includes works by Indigenous and new immigrant writers, reflecting the diversity and inclusiveness of Taiwan’s culture. “Taiwanese literature weaves together Taigi, Hakka, Austronesian, and Southeast Asian languages,” she said. Additionally, Germany-based writer Kevin Chen (陳思宏) attended the book presentation and shared his reflections on the role of Taiwanese literature in a free society. He described Taiwan as “an island of freedom,” where people enjoy the liberty to express themselves without restraint. The MOC stated that “Island at the Crossroads: Literary Map of Taiwan” is the first anthology of contemporary Taiwanese literature published in Czechia, offering Czech readers a new window into Taiwan’s culture, history, and society, as cultural exchanges between the two nations continue to deepen.
Taiwanese films honored at Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival
The Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival (YIDFF) awards presentation was held in Japan on Oct. 15, where Taiwanese works stood out with remarkable achievements. “Park (公園)” by So Yo-hen (蘇育賢) received the Award of Excellence in the International Competition, while “The Tales of the Tale (侯硐奇譚)” by Song Cheng-ying (宋承穎) and Hu Chin-ya (胡清雅) won the Award of Excellence in the New Asian Currents section. This year’s YIDFF received 1,318 submissions from 129 countries and regions for the International Competition, with 15 works selected as finalists. The New Asian Currents section attracted 1,358 entries from 75 countries, from which 20 films were chosen for screening. Minister of Culture Li Yuan noted that these documentaries reflect the many facets of Taiwanese society and amplify the voices of its people, while also showcasing the diverse perspectives and cultural depth of Taiwan’s creators. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to continuing its support for bringing stories from Taiwan to audiences around the world. Taiwan’s Representative to Japan, Lee Yi-yang (李逸洋), remarked that the outstanding performance of Taiwanese documentaries at the festival demonstrates the maturity of Taiwan’s filmmakers and has drawn greater attention from the international community. The Taiwan Cultural Center in Japan stated that by examining Taiwan’s society through its urban public spaces and mining communities, the award-winning works resonate with international audiences through their moving imagery. The center expressed its intention to continue engaging and collaborating with the YIDFF to further promote Taiwanese documentaries. ­

Taiwanese films honored at Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival

2025-10-20
The Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival (YIDFF) awards presentation was held in Japan on Oct. 15, where Taiwanese works stood out with remarkable achievements. “Park (公園)” by So Yo-hen (蘇育賢) received the Award of Excellence in the International Competition, while “The Tales of the Tale (侯硐奇譚)” by Song Cheng-ying (宋承穎) and Hu Chin-ya (胡清雅) won the Award of Excellence in the New Asian Currents section. This year’s YIDFF received 1,318 submissions from 129 countries and regions for the International Competition, with 15 works selected as finalists. The New Asian Currents section attracted 1,358 entries from 75 countries, from which 20 films were chosen for screening. Minister of Culture Li Yuan noted that these documentaries reflect the many facets of Taiwanese society and amplify the voices of its people, while also showcasing the diverse perspectives and cultural depth of Taiwan’s creators. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to continuing its support for bringing stories from Taiwan to audiences around the world. Taiwan’s Representative to Japan, Lee Yi-yang (李逸洋), remarked that the outstanding performance of Taiwanese documentaries at the festival demonstrates the maturity of Taiwan’s filmmakers and has drawn greater attention from the international community. The Taiwan Cultural Center in Japan stated that by examining Taiwan’s society through its urban public spaces and mining communities, the award-winning works resonate with international audiences through their moving imagery. The center expressed its intention to continue engaging and collaborating with the YIDFF to further promote Taiwanese documentaries. ­
MOC launches Taiwan Culture Day 2025
The Ministry of Culture (MOC) held a press conference on Oct. 17 to launch Taiwan Culture Day, kicking off a series of events that will take place across the island through Nov. 2. The press conference was attended by Minister of Culture Li Yuan, president Lo Chun-hsuan (羅浚晅) of Taiwan Society North, chairman Lai Yueh-yen (賴悅顏) of Laiho Cultural and Educational Foundation (賴和文教基金會), Chiang Wei-shui’s Cultural Foundation (蔣渭水文教基金會) board member Chiang Chao-ken (蔣朝根), and other distinguished guests. This year’s Taiwan Culture Day features a total of 34 events across northern, central, and southern Taiwan, including a wide range of activities such as seminars, theatrical performances, book exhibitions, music concerts, and live podcasts. Minister Li remarked that Taiwan’s culture is rooted in Indigenous traditions while integrating influences from Japan, China, and the West, forming a unique cultural identity. In line with the spirit of Taiwan Culture Day, he expressed his hope to carry forward the legacy of the Taiwanese Cultural Association (TCA) in promoting native culture. Founded by Chiang Wei-shui on Oct. 17, 1921, the Taiwanese Cultural Association played a vital role during Japan’s colonial rule of Taiwan. It was impactful in raising Taiwanese awareness and promoting cultural enlightenment across the island. The MOC stated that Taiwan Culture Day draws inspiration from the TCA’s mission to advocate for cultural reform in the 1920s, aiming to raise cultural awareness throughout society. For more information, visit Taiwan Culture Day official website. ­

MOC launches Taiwan Culture Day 2025

2025-10-20
The Ministry of Culture (MOC) held a press conference on Oct. 17 to launch Taiwan Culture Day, kicking off a series of events that will take place across the island through Nov. 2. The press conference was attended by Minister of Culture Li Yuan, president Lo Chun-hsuan (羅浚晅) of Taiwan Society North, chairman Lai Yueh-yen (賴悅顏) of Laiho Cultural and Educational Foundation (賴和文教基金會), Chiang Wei-shui’s Cultural Foundation (蔣渭水文教基金會) board member Chiang Chao-ken (蔣朝根), and other distinguished guests. This year’s Taiwan Culture Day features a total of 34 events across northern, central, and southern Taiwan, including a wide range of activities such as seminars, theatrical performances, book exhibitions, music concerts, and live podcasts. Minister Li remarked that Taiwan’s culture is rooted in Indigenous traditions while integrating influences from Japan, China, and the West, forming a unique cultural identity. In line with the spirit of Taiwan Culture Day, he expressed his hope to carry forward the legacy of the Taiwanese Cultural Association (TCA) in promoting native culture. Founded by Chiang Wei-shui on Oct. 17, 1921, the Taiwanese Cultural Association played a vital role during Japan’s colonial rule of Taiwan. It was impactful in raising Taiwanese awareness and promoting cultural enlightenment across the island. The MOC stated that Taiwan Culture Day draws inspiration from the TCA’s mission to advocate for cultural reform in the 1920s, aiming to raise cultural awareness throughout society. For more information, visit Taiwan Culture Day official website. ­
TTXC 2025 features Asia’s largest XR exhibition and global IP showcase
The Ministry of Culture and the Kaohsiung City Government are co-hosting the 2025 Taiwan Technology X Culture Expo (TTXC), running from Oct. 10 to 26 at the Pier-2 Art Center in Kaohsiung. Titled “AI Synergy for Next Content Economy,” the expo convenes top experts, creators, and industry leaders from Taiwan and abroad to explore the profound impact of generative AI on the cultural content ecosystem and foster new cross-disciplinary dialogue and international co-creation. This year, TTXC partners with “XR DREAMLAND,” Asia’s largest XR film festival hosted by the Kaohsiung Film Archive, and the cultural technology exhibition “INNOVATIONS” curated by the Taiwan Creative Content Agency. The event brings together teams from Taiwan’s cultural and technology sectors to showcase XR immersive works from both original Taiwanese creations and top international IPs, inviting the public to experience a new vision for cultural technology. The Kaohsiung City Government stated that holding TTXC in Kaohsiung for the third time underscores the city’s determination and achievements in advancing a smart city and cultural technology. In collaboration with Asia’s largest XR film festival, Brogent Technologies, and Moonshine Studio, the event will present high-quality works from Taiwan and around the world. This will underscore Kaohsiung’s exemplary status in leading the fusion of culture and technology in Taiwan. For more information, visit TTXC official website and Facebook page.

TTXC 2025 features Asia’s largest XR exhibition and global IP showcase

2025-10-14
The Ministry of Culture and the Kaohsiung City Government are co-hosting the 2025 Taiwan Technology X Culture Expo (TTXC), running from Oct. 10 to 26 at the Pier-2 Art Center in Kaohsiung. Titled “AI Synergy for Next Content Economy,” the expo convenes top experts, creators, and industry leaders from Taiwan and abroad to explore the profound impact of generative AI on the cultural content ecosystem and foster new cross-disciplinary dialogue and international co-creation. This year, TTXC partners with “XR DREAMLAND,” Asia’s largest XR film festival hosted by the Kaohsiung Film Archive, and the cultural technology exhibition “INNOVATIONS” curated by the Taiwan Creative Content Agency. The event brings together teams from Taiwan’s cultural and technology sectors to showcase XR immersive works from both original Taiwanese creations and top international IPs, inviting the public to experience a new vision for cultural technology. The Kaohsiung City Government stated that holding TTXC in Kaohsiung for the third time underscores the city’s determination and achievements in advancing a smart city and cultural technology. In collaboration with Asia’s largest XR film festival, Brogent Technologies, and Moonshine Studio, the event will present high-quality works from Taiwan and around the world. This will underscore Kaohsiung’s exemplary status in leading the fusion of culture and technology in Taiwan. For more information, visit TTXC official website and Facebook page.