MOC announces recognition, financial awards for 110 cultural venues

Taipei, March 31 (CNA) The Ministry of Culture (MOC) on Monday announced its recognition of 110 Taiwanese "bases of culture" selected to receive NT$500,000 (US$15,062) in financial support.

In a press release, the ministry said it selected the locations as part of a new two-year "Taiwan Culture Base" program, which will highlight venues exemplifying the richness and variety of Taiwanese culture.

The 110 venues were selected by a committee of 21 experts in various cultural sectors, from a list of over 1,000 cultural sites nominated by Taiwanese civil society groups, the ministry said.

The venues fall into one of seven broad categories, namely crafts, arts and cultural performances, independent bookstores, local cultural centers, "community building" sites, historic sites, and film and television, it said.

Places recognized on the list include Jiang A-Sin Ancient House, a historic mansion in Hsinchu's Beipu Township, and Guling Street Avant-Garde Theater in Taipei. The sites are located in all 22 of Taiwan's cities and counties.

In the press release, Minister of Culture Li Yuan (李遠) said the project is a realization of one of his top ambitions in his role, and will help promote Taiwanese cultural sites to both locals and international tourists.

The 110 venues will each receive NT$500,000 and recognition for the next two-year

period as Taiwanese "bases of culture," according to the ministry.

The full list, with links, photos and information on the sites, is available on the MOC website.