The Ministry of Culture is keeping Taiwan-NSP exchanges on the growth track by greenlighting 11 programs recently submitted by members of the Southeast Asia Advisory Committee. (Courtesy of MOC)
 

Eleven cultural exchange programs for New Southbound Policy target countries were greenlighted Aug. 10 by the Ministry of Culture as part of ongoing government efforts to further deepen and strengthen Taiwan’s connections with the region.

Submitted by members of the MOC’s Southeast Asia Advisory Committee, the programs involve Cambodia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. They span such areas as art history, bioart, cinema, folk music, indigenous peoples and new immigrants.

One of the highlights is a monthlong residency program for artists and curators tentatively scheduled for later this year in Thailand’s Bangkok and Chiangmai, as well as Taipei City. The collaborative undertaking, which hinges on the easing of international coronavirus-related travel restrictions, was proposed by Gridthiya Gaweewong, artistic director of Bangkok-based Jim Thompson Art Center and Frankie Su, director of Taipei-headquartered Hong-gah Museum.

According to the MOC, the programs may take place virtually in attempt to maintain the momentum of cultural exchanges between Taiwan and NSP target countries. The impact of COVID-19 on the cultural lives of the people must be kept to a bare minimum in readiness for a full transition to the post-pandemic new life, the ministry said.

All programs will be evaluated during the fourth committee meeting expected to be held in Taiwan next year.

Established in 2015, the committee operates with a view to advancing NSP objectives. It comprises 19 cultural and creative industry professionals boasting deep knowledge of the arts and crafts, film, publications and nongovernmental organizations in Southeast Asia and Taiwan.

The NSP is a key plank in the government’s national development strategy. It aims to enhance Taiwan’s agricultural, business, cultural, education, tourism and trade ties with the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, six South Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand. (TYT-E)