The Ministry of Culture (MOC) announced the recipients of the 44th National Cultural Award on June 3, honoring Yang Li-hua (楊麗花), Fu Ming-kuang (傅明光), and Wu Sheng (吳晟).
Minister of Culture Li Yuan extended heartfelt congratulations to the three esteemed awardees, highlighting their contributions to traditional arts, cultural heritage, and literature as well as commending their efforts to promote Taiwanese culture and foster a better society.
Born Lin Li-hua (林麗花) in 1944, Yang Li-hua is a Taiwanese opera performer whose career has spanned outdoor theaters, radio shows, television programs, and films, profoundly influencing the industry. In 1991, she made history by bringing Taiwanese opera to the National Theater Hall with her groundbreaking performance of “Lü Bu and Diao Chan (呂布與貂蟬).” In 2002, she received the Special Award for Opera Performance at the Traditional Arts Golden Melody Awards. In 2023, she was officially recognized by the Taipei City Government’s Department of Cultural Affairs as both a “preserver of intangible cultural heritage” and a “master of traditional arts.”
Born in 1940, Fu Ming-kuang decided to become a mason at an early age. With a career spanning over 60 years, he has become an expert in restoring traditional Hakka architecture, possessing extensive knowledge of traditional techniques for reconstructing elements of homes and temples. As a key figure in the preservation of architectural heritage, he has dedicated himself to passing on his skills and actively promoting cultural traditions in Taiwan. In 2016, he was recognized by the MOC as a preserver of traditional construction techniques.
Born in 1944, Wu Sheng, whose given name is Wu Sheng-hsiung (吳勝雄), has been a prominent voice in native literature since the 1970s, producing nearly 100 poems that portray rural life while reflecting on societal changes and the experiences of ordinary individuals. In 1980, he was invited to the United States to promote Taiwanese literature. He has received numerous honors, including the 30th Wu San-lien Award in 2007 and the Golden Book Award at the Taiwan Literature Awards in 2015. Additionally, Wu is also known as a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability and human rights in Taiwan.
The award presentation ceremony is scheduled to take place on July 10 at Taipei Zhongshan Hall.