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National Railway Museum to open its first phase on July 31
The Taipei Railway Workshop, designated as a national monument in 2015, was announced as the future site of the National Railway Museum (NRM) in 2016. After nine years of restoration, the museum is set to open its first phase on July 31. Originally completed in 1935, the Taipei Railway Workshop stands as Taiwan’s oldest and largest rail-vehicle repair facility. In terms of architecture, technology, labor culture, and the development of transportation in Taiwan, it has substantial, industrial, and historical value. At the exhibit preview, Minister of Culture Li Yuan remarked that the initiative not only safeguards the important history of Taiwan’s railway system but also preserves its cultural heritage. According to the Ministry of Culture (MOC), the first phase of the NRM highlights six architectural sites: the diesel-electric workshop, head office, technician training center, material testing center, auditorium, and bathhouse. It also includes three permanent exhibitions, two in-situ displays, and a dedicated space for children’s activities. One of the permanent exhibitions, titled “Taiwan Railway History in Culture (文化中的臺灣鐵道史),” showcases a collection of manuscripts and reading videos contributed by various authors, including a handwritten draft donated by Minister Li himself. He expressed hope that the museum will serve as a vibrant hub that presents diverse programs to engage visitors from all walks of life. In addition, a 335-meter-long passageway connecting to the NRM will also open to the public, designed to enhance local accessibility and bridge the gap between the community and the historic site. For more information, visit NRM official website or Facebook page.

National Railway Museum to open its first phase on July 31

2025-07-02
The Taipei Railway Workshop, designated as a national monument in 2015, was announced as the future site of the National Railway Museum (NRM) in 2016. After nine years of restoration, the museum is set to open its first phase on July 31. Originally completed in 1935, the Taipei Railway Workshop stands as Taiwan’s oldest and largest rail-vehicle repair facility. In terms of architecture, technology, labor culture, and the development of transportation in Taiwan, it has substantial, industrial, and historical value. At the exhibit preview, Minister of Culture Li Yuan remarked that the initiative not only safeguards the important history of Taiwan’s railway system but also preserves its cultural heritage. According to the Ministry of Culture (MOC), the first phase of the NRM highlights six architectural sites: the diesel-electric workshop, head office, technician training center, material testing center, auditorium, and bathhouse. It also includes three permanent exhibitions, two in-situ displays, and a dedicated space for children’s activities. One of the permanent exhibitions, titled “Taiwan Railway History in Culture (文化中的臺灣鐵道史),” showcases a collection of manuscripts and reading videos contributed by various authors, including a handwritten draft donated by Minister Li himself. He expressed hope that the museum will serve as a vibrant hub that presents diverse programs to engage visitors from all walks of life. In addition, a 335-meter-long passageway connecting to the NRM will also open to the public, designed to enhance local accessibility and bridge the gap between the community and the historic site. For more information, visit NRM official website or Facebook page.
NMTL announces 2025 Writers-in-Residence of Taiwan Literature Base
The National Museum of Taiwan Literature (NMTL) announced the selection results for its 2025 Writers-in-Residence selection of the Taiwan Literature Base on June 30. This year saw the highest number of applications and the greatest level of international participation since the program’s launch, with submissions from 70 writers across 21 countries—international applicants accounting for 65% of the total. A total of 18 writers and translators were selected, including six from Taiwan and 12 from countries such as the U.S., Canada, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Italy, France, and Germany. Starting in August, they will take up residence at the Taiwan Literature Base to develop their creative projects and engage with local readers, writers, and publishers. The NMTL stated that since the program’s inception in 2021, nearly 60 writers have participated in the literary exchange. This year’s selection includes several international translators, notably Kim Yi-sak (金依莎), Silvia Pozzi, and Karin Betz, who have been commissioned to translate the Taiwanese novel “Taiwan Travelogue” by Yang Shuang-zi into Korean, Italian, and German, respectively. For more information, visit the NMTL official website and Taiwan Literature Base Facebook page.

NMTL announces 2025 Writers-in-Residence of Taiwan Literature Base

2025-07-02
The National Museum of Taiwan Literature (NMTL) announced the selection results for its 2025 Writers-in-Residence selection of the Taiwan Literature Base on June 30. This year saw the highest number of applications and the greatest level of international participation since the program’s launch, with submissions from 70 writers across 21 countries—international applicants accounting for 65% of the total. A total of 18 writers and translators were selected, including six from Taiwan and 12 from countries such as the U.S., Canada, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Italy, France, and Germany. Starting in August, they will take up residence at the Taiwan Literature Base to develop their creative projects and engage with local readers, writers, and publishers. The NMTL stated that since the program’s inception in 2021, nearly 60 writers have participated in the literary exchange. This year’s selection includes several international translators, notably Kim Yi-sak (金依莎), Silvia Pozzi, and Karin Betz, who have been commissioned to translate the Taiwanese novel “Taiwan Travelogue” by Yang Shuang-zi into Korean, Italian, and German, respectively. For more information, visit the NMTL official website and Taiwan Literature Base Facebook page.
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.