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MOC launches inaugural Golden Picture Book Awards
To support the development of original picture books in Taiwan, the Ministry of Culture (MOC) announced the launch of the “Golden Picture Book Awards (金繪獎)” on June 25. Submissions will be open from July 1 through Sept. 1, with six award categories totaling NT$3.27 million in prize money. Minister of Culture Li Yuan, who is also an author, remarked that picture books are among the most effective mediums for introducing children to reading and art. He also emphasized the international appeal of picture books, noting that the combination of text and illustrations makes them ideal for showcasing Taiwanese culture on the global stage. Minister Li further stated that through the Golden Picture Book Awards, the ministry aims to establish a comprehensive support system encompassing creation, talent cultivation, publishing, and marketing, as well as to develop this model into a benchmark for other artistic fields. According to the MOC, the inaugural edition of the award is open to works published for the first time in Taiwan with either an ISBN or GPN, between Jan. 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. The award includes six categories: Special Contribution Award, New Talent Award, Best Editor Award, Cross-domain Application Award, Annual Picture Book Award, and the Golden Picture Book Grand Prize (with one winner each in fiction and non-fiction). For more information, visit https://grants.moc.gov.tw/ or contact Ms. Lin at the MOC Department of Humanities and Publications at 02-8512-6494.

MOC launches inaugural Golden Picture Book Awards

2025-06-26
To support the development of original picture books in Taiwan, the Ministry of Culture (MOC) announced the launch of the “Golden Picture Book Awards (金繪獎)” on June 25. Submissions will be open from July 1 through Sept. 1, with six award categories totaling NT$3.27 million in prize money. Minister of Culture Li Yuan, who is also an author, remarked that picture books are among the most effective mediums for introducing children to reading and art. He also emphasized the international appeal of picture books, noting that the combination of text and illustrations makes them ideal for showcasing Taiwanese culture on the global stage. Minister Li further stated that through the Golden Picture Book Awards, the ministry aims to establish a comprehensive support system encompassing creation, talent cultivation, publishing, and marketing, as well as to develop this model into a benchmark for other artistic fields. According to the MOC, the inaugural edition of the award is open to works published for the first time in Taiwan with either an ISBN or GPN, between Jan. 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. The award includes six categories: Special Contribution Award, New Talent Award, Best Editor Award, Cross-domain Application Award, Annual Picture Book Award, and the Golden Picture Book Grand Prize (with one winner each in fiction and non-fiction). For more information, visit https://grants.moc.gov.tw/ or contact Ms. Lin at the MOC Department of Humanities and Publications at 02-8512-6494.
Minister Li engages with Japanese cultural leaders for artistic collaboration
Invited by the Taiwan Cultural Center of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan, Tokyo Film Festival senior programmer Kenji Ishizaka (石坂健治) and executive director of the Yokohama Arts Foundation Shinji Ono (小野晉司) visited Taiwan and met with Minister of Culture Li Yuan on June 23. Minister Li said, “Taiwan and Japan will continue to be partners in the future, and there will be more collaborations to come.” Minister Li noted that he first met Kenji Ishizaka at the Taipei Media School, an experimental educational institution he founded many years ago. During this visit, in addition to attending the Taipei Film Festival, Ishizaka also toured the Taipei Media School. He was impressed by the school’s well-rounded curriculum and student development, including graduates who have pursued further studies in Japan. Kenji Ishizaka remarked that Japanese audiences have long shown enthusiasm for Taiwanese films. The 2025 Taiwanese Film Showcase, launched by the Taiwan Cultural Center in Japan in May, sold out shortly after tickets were released. He expressed his hope to continue introducing hidden gems from Taiwan to Japanese audiences. Meanwhile, Shinji Ono announced that Taiwanese jazz groups Jazz Awakening!—Taiwan Spirit (臺味爵醒) and YuYing Hsu Elektrikkkk 5 (許郁瑛帶電五重奏) will debut at this year’s Yokohama JAZZ PROMENADE 2025. Additionally, he revealed that the Cloud Gate Dance Theatre will returned to Japan for the first time in 16 years. “Taiwan currently has transparent cultural policies,” he said. “This is the perfect time to showcase Taiwanese culture to the world.” Seizing the opportunity to promote the cultural program “We Taiwan” at Expo 2025 Osaka, which will take place from Aug. 2 to 20, the Minister presented the program’s mini mascot, a-We, as a gift to two distinguished guests from Japan. Ono mentioned that using such a cute image as the key visual for the cultural program is an effective way to publicize Taiwan.

Minister Li engages with Japanese cultural leaders for artistic collaboration

2025-06-26
Invited by the Taiwan Cultural Center of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan, Tokyo Film Festival senior programmer Kenji Ishizaka (石坂健治) and executive director of the Yokohama Arts Foundation Shinji Ono (小野晉司) visited Taiwan and met with Minister of Culture Li Yuan on June 23. Minister Li said, “Taiwan and Japan will continue to be partners in the future, and there will be more collaborations to come.” Minister Li noted that he first met Kenji Ishizaka at the Taipei Media School, an experimental educational institution he founded many years ago. During this visit, in addition to attending the Taipei Film Festival, Ishizaka also toured the Taipei Media School. He was impressed by the school’s well-rounded curriculum and student development, including graduates who have pursued further studies in Japan. Kenji Ishizaka remarked that Japanese audiences have long shown enthusiasm for Taiwanese films. The 2025 Taiwanese Film Showcase, launched by the Taiwan Cultural Center in Japan in May, sold out shortly after tickets were released. He expressed his hope to continue introducing hidden gems from Taiwan to Japanese audiences. Meanwhile, Shinji Ono announced that Taiwanese jazz groups Jazz Awakening!—Taiwan Spirit (臺味爵醒) and YuYing Hsu Elektrikkkk 5 (許郁瑛帶電五重奏) will debut at this year’s Yokohama JAZZ PROMENADE 2025. Additionally, he revealed that the Cloud Gate Dance Theatre will returned to Japan for the first time in 16 years. “Taiwan currently has transparent cultural policies,” he said. “This is the perfect time to showcase Taiwanese culture to the world.” Seizing the opportunity to promote the cultural program “We Taiwan” at Expo 2025 Osaka, which will take place from Aug. 2 to 20, the Minister presented the program’s mini mascot, a-We, as a gift to two distinguished guests from Japan. Ono mentioned that using such a cute image as the key visual for the cultural program is an effective way to publicize Taiwan.
Taiwanese artists to perform at Festival Off Avignon, Edinburgh Festival Fringe
The Ministry of Culture (MOC) held a press conference on June 20, unveiling a lineup of eight Taiwanese artist groups set to perform at the Festival Off Avignon and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this summer. The press event was graced by Minister of Culture Li Yuan, Head of the European Economic and Trade Office in Taiwan Lutz Güllner, Director Franck Paris of the French Office in Taipei, British Council Director Taiwan Susan Milner, and other distinguished guests. The Festival Off Avignon, running from July 5 to 26, will feature “Mutual” by Mailantia Dance Company (麥藍堤亞舞團), “Push and Pull” by Hung Dance (翃舞製作), “Palingenesis” by D_Antidote Production (身體處方), and “Amour Utopique” by Formosa Circus Art (福爾摩沙馬戲團). Meanwhile, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, taking place from Aug. 1 to 25, will present the Taiwan Season featuring “Where Has All the Fruit Gone?” by Yinalang Group (囝仔人), “Trace of Belief” by Chun Dance (君舞蹈劇場), “Dazed and Confused” by Lu Production (拾陸製作), and “Whale, Where Are You Going?” by S. Production (斜槓青年創作體). Minister Li noted that the initiative, co-launched with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aims to showcase Taiwanese culture at these major international festivals and foster stronger global cultural exchange. He also highlighted that the eight featured performances span various genres—including dance, theater, puppetry, and circus—and explore themes such as gender, cultural identity, and relationships, reflecting the diverse perspectives and vibrant creative energy of contemporary Taiwanese artists. For more information, visit the official websites of Festival Off Avignon and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Taiwanese artists to perform at Festival Off Avignon, Edinburgh Festival Fringe

2025-06-26
The Ministry of Culture (MOC) held a press conference on June 20, unveiling a lineup of eight Taiwanese artist groups set to perform at the Festival Off Avignon and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this summer. The press event was graced by Minister of Culture Li Yuan, Head of the European Economic and Trade Office in Taiwan Lutz Güllner, Director Franck Paris of the French Office in Taipei, British Council Director Taiwan Susan Milner, and other distinguished guests. The Festival Off Avignon, running from July 5 to 26, will feature “Mutual” by Mailantia Dance Company (麥藍堤亞舞團), “Push and Pull” by Hung Dance (翃舞製作), “Palingenesis” by D_Antidote Production (身體處方), and “Amour Utopique” by Formosa Circus Art (福爾摩沙馬戲團). Meanwhile, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, taking place from Aug. 1 to 25, will present the Taiwan Season featuring “Where Has All the Fruit Gone?” by Yinalang Group (囝仔人), “Trace of Belief” by Chun Dance (君舞蹈劇場), “Dazed and Confused” by Lu Production (拾陸製作), and “Whale, Where Are You Going?” by S. Production (斜槓青年創作體). Minister Li noted that the initiative, co-launched with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aims to showcase Taiwanese culture at these major international festivals and foster stronger global cultural exchange. He also highlighted that the eight featured performances span various genres—including dance, theater, puppetry, and circus—and explore themes such as gender, cultural identity, and relationships, reflecting the diverse perspectives and vibrant creative energy of contemporary Taiwanese artists. For more information, visit the official websites of Festival Off Avignon and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Perfect Places to Exercise: Nearly 50% of Civic Sports Centers to Be Completed This Year
In recent years, with the increasing awareness of health, the trend of exercising and fitness has been growing rapidly, leading to a yearly increase in the demand for sports venues. To provide the public with affordable, professional sports spaces that meet local needs, the Sports Administration (SA) has been promoting the Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program 2.0: “Enhancing the Sport For All Environment Project” since 2021. This program is subsidizing the construction or renovation of 20 civic sports centers in 17 counties and cities across Taiwan. Nearly 50% of these centers will be completed by the end of 2025. The civic sports centers feature modern fitness gyms, yoga rooms, aerobics studios, all-age physical training zones, and multi-purpose courts. In addition, local governments are tailoring facilities to meet regional needs. For example, the Sanmin District Civic Sports Center in Kaohsiung has a croquet court suitable for older adults, while the Hualien County center includes features for people with disabilities, those with limited mobility, and senior citizens, such as fitness zones specifically designed for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Inclusive design ensures the facilities are accessible to all, making them ideal spaces for promoting fitness among the entire population. According to the SA, as of the end of May this year, four centers have been completed: the Huwei Civic Sports Center in Yunlin County, the Shuishang Civic Sports Center in Chiayi County, the Zhudong Civic Sports Center in Hsinchu County, and the Dongyin Township Multipurpose Health Sports Center in Lienchiang County. The Huwei Center is expected to be officially operational by the end of August. At the current rate, six additional centers are projected to be completed by the end of the year. The newly completed facilities will offer high-quality exercise environments and become the preferred venues for local residents to engage in physical activity. The hope is that people will invite friends and family to join in to develop a sport for all culture. The Ministry of Sport will be officially established on September 9th this year, on National Sports Day. Its primary mission will be to promote national fitness, guiding all municipal civic sports centers to drive community-based sports participation. The goal is to integrate exercise into daily life, cultivate a love for physical activity, establish the habit of regular exercise, and make Taiwan stronger through sport for all.

Perfect Places to Exercise: Nearly 50% of Civic Sports Centers to Be Completed This Year

2025-06-26
In recent years, with the increasing awareness of health, the trend of exercising and fitness has been growing rapidly, leading to a yearly increase in the demand for sports venues. To provide the public with affordable, professional sports spaces that meet local needs, the Sports Administration (SA) has been promoting the Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program 2.0: “Enhancing the Sport For All Environment Project” since 2021. This program is subsidizing the construction or renovation of 20 civic sports centers in 17 counties and cities across Taiwan. Nearly 50% of these centers will be completed by the end of 2025. The civic sports centers feature modern fitness gyms, yoga rooms, aerobics studios, all-age physical training zones, and multi-purpose courts. In addition, local governments are tailoring facilities to meet regional needs. For example, the Sanmin District Civic Sports Center in Kaohsiung has a croquet court suitable for older adults, while the Hualien County center includes features for people with disabilities, those with limited mobility, and senior citizens, such as fitness zones specifically designed for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Inclusive design ensures the facilities are accessible to all, making them ideal spaces for promoting fitness among the entire population. According to the SA, as of the end of May this year, four centers have been completed: the Huwei Civic Sports Center in Yunlin County, the Shuishang Civic Sports Center in Chiayi County, the Zhudong Civic Sports Center in Hsinchu County, and the Dongyin Township Multipurpose Health Sports Center in Lienchiang County. The Huwei Center is expected to be officially operational by the end of August. At the current rate, six additional centers are projected to be completed by the end of the year. The newly completed facilities will offer high-quality exercise environments and become the preferred venues for local residents to engage in physical activity. The hope is that people will invite friends and family to join in to develop a sport for all culture. The Ministry of Sport will be officially established on September 9th this year, on National Sports Day. Its primary mission will be to promote national fitness, guiding all municipal civic sports centers to drive community-based sports participation. The goal is to integrate exercise into daily life, cultivate a love for physical activity, establish the habit of regular exercise, and make Taiwan stronger through sport for all.
Sports Administration reminds coaches and referees: License renewals start in July
In response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Education extended the validity of coach and referee licenses by official announcement until December 31, 2025. The Sports Administration (SA) urges all license-holding coaches and referees to check their license expiration dates, and apply for renewals through their respective associations in accordance with the regulations to avoid license expiration. For information on recognition of continuing education courses, the license renewal method, and related regulations, please visit the coach/referee section of each individual sports association’s website or contact the associations directly. To make the domestic licensing system for coaches and referees complete, continuously cultivate talent at all levels, and enhance the quality of professional personnel, the “Regulations Governing the Establishment of Sports Coach Qualification Assessment and Management by Designated Sports Organizations" and the "Regulations Governing the Establishment of Sports Referee Qualification Assessment and Management by Designated Sports Organizations" (the "Coach and Referee Regulations") were promulgated on May 30, 2018. These regulations define the qualification certification and management system for A, B, and C-level coaches and referees under designated sports organizations. Through system-based management and tiered professional levels, the regulations ensure that coaches and referees possess a required level of expertise and practical experience. Moreover, through annual continuing education courses or experience in officiating or team management, they are expected to keep their professional capabilities up to date. According to the Coach and Referee Regulations, the validity period for coach and referee licenses is four years. License holders who have completed a total of 48 hours of professional continuing education, with at least 6 hours per year, may apply for license renewal through their respective associations between three to six months before expiration. For transitional licenses under the old system (i.e., those obtained before May 30, 2018, and still valid as of January 10, 2022), and for licenses under the new system (i.e., those obtained between May 30, 2018, and December 31, 2021), the validity has already been officially extended to December 31, 2025. To protect the rights of license holders and taking into consideration the impact of the pandemic in previous years, the 6-hour-per-year requirement for professional continuing education was waived for 2022 and 2023. However, for all other years, license holders are still required to complete at least 6 hours of continuing education per year, accumulating 48 hours over four years. Failure to complete the required continuing education will result in license invalidation upon expiration. In preparation for the flood renewals expected from June to September this year, the SA convened a meeting with all associations on December 19, 2024, urging them to publish relevant information on their websites and actively conduct promotion through various channels and events. The SA emphasized its continued support for associations in enhancing their coach and referee certification systems and professional development programs. Associations are encouraged to design interdisciplinary training that integrates cutting-edge international research, injury prevention strategies, data analysis, global trends, and updated rules. By strengthening certification and continuing education systems, a strong foundation will be established for the sustained development of sports in the future.

Sports Administration reminds coaches and referees: License renewals start in July

2025-06-26
In response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Education extended the validity of coach and referee licenses by official announcement until December 31, 2025. The Sports Administration (SA) urges all license-holding coaches and referees to check their license expiration dates, and apply for renewals through their respective associations in accordance with the regulations to avoid license expiration. For information on recognition of continuing education courses, the license renewal method, and related regulations, please visit the coach/referee section of each individual sports association’s website or contact the associations directly. To make the domestic licensing system for coaches and referees complete, continuously cultivate talent at all levels, and enhance the quality of professional personnel, the “Regulations Governing the Establishment of Sports Coach Qualification Assessment and Management by Designated Sports Organizations" and the "Regulations Governing the Establishment of Sports Referee Qualification Assessment and Management by Designated Sports Organizations" (the "Coach and Referee Regulations") were promulgated on May 30, 2018. These regulations define the qualification certification and management system for A, B, and C-level coaches and referees under designated sports organizations. Through system-based management and tiered professional levels, the regulations ensure that coaches and referees possess a required level of expertise and practical experience. Moreover, through annual continuing education courses or experience in officiating or team management, they are expected to keep their professional capabilities up to date. According to the Coach and Referee Regulations, the validity period for coach and referee licenses is four years. License holders who have completed a total of 48 hours of professional continuing education, with at least 6 hours per year, may apply for license renewal through their respective associations between three to six months before expiration. For transitional licenses under the old system (i.e., those obtained before May 30, 2018, and still valid as of January 10, 2022), and for licenses under the new system (i.e., those obtained between May 30, 2018, and December 31, 2021), the validity has already been officially extended to December 31, 2025. To protect the rights of license holders and taking into consideration the impact of the pandemic in previous years, the 6-hour-per-year requirement for professional continuing education was waived for 2022 and 2023. However, for all other years, license holders are still required to complete at least 6 hours of continuing education per year, accumulating 48 hours over four years. Failure to complete the required continuing education will result in license invalidation upon expiration. In preparation for the flood renewals expected from June to September this year, the SA convened a meeting with all associations on December 19, 2024, urging them to publish relevant information on their websites and actively conduct promotion through various channels and events. The SA emphasized its continued support for associations in enhancing their coach and referee certification systems and professional development programs. Associations are encouraged to design interdisciplinary training that integrates cutting-edge international research, injury prevention strategies, data analysis, global trends, and updated rules. By strengthening certification and continuing education systems, a strong foundation will be established for the sustained development of sports in the future.