Ma promotes traditional culture, arts

2015-01-08

President Ma Ying-jeou said Jan. 6 that no stone will be left unturned in supporting Taiwan’s traditional artists and promoting Chinese culture worldwide.

“We are proud of the achievements of these special individuals who have given so much to the nation and are spurring Taiwan’s cultural and creative sector at home and abroad,” Ma said.

The president made the remarks while receiving the nine recipients of this year’s Global Chinese Culture and Arts Award at the Presidential Office in Taipei City.

Selected from a 123-strong field, the winners were recognized for outstanding contributions in nine areas such as calligraphy art, folk music and traditional drama. Entering into its 21st year, the award is organized by the ROC Senior Jaycees Club.

Recipients include Wu Chao-nan, 90, honored for his lifetime contribution to xiangsheng, a traditional form of quick-exchange comic talk, Lo Ying-fang, for her efforts in promoting folk dance, and late glove puppeteer Huang Chun-ching, for bringing an innovative approach to the distinctive art form.

“Although all the winners are praiseworthy, Wu’s achievements are particularly remarkable,” Ma said. “He has never tired of promoting the art and claimed honors like the Golden Tripod Awards in Taiwan and Lincoln Center Lifetime Achievement Award in the U.S.”

Equally deserving is Huang, who wrote a new chapter in glove puppetry before passing away last November at 88, the president said. “He was renowned for incorporating modern elements such as eye-catching visual effects into his shows and attracting the interest of young people.”

According to Ma, all the recipients will receive additional support through government-backed initiatives. This includes the technique impartation program of the Ministry of Culture and Taiwan Academy, a cultural promotional program unveiled by the president during his 2008 presidential election campaign.

“It is important to continue bolstering Taiwan’s arts sector as a way of preserving our heritage and promoting the nation’s soft power on the international stage,” he said.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=225987&CtNode=413)