Taipei, Oct. 17 (CNA) President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Tuesday conferred Presidential Culture Awards on five individuals and organizations from diverse backgrounds for outstanding contributions to society.
The five recipients come from different ethnic backgrounds and professions, but have all enriched and imbued Taiwan’s culture with deeper meaning, Tsai said at an awards ceremony held at the Grand Hotel Taipei.
Taiwanese opera performer Liao Chiung-chih (廖瓊枝) clinched the Arts and Culture Award.
Liao has dedicated her life to performing and promoting the art form, and her fine vocal style and elegant silhouette have earned her the nickname “Taiwan’s leading Kudan (苦旦, sorrowful female character), Tsai said.
In addition to her many memorable performances, Liao’s efforts to promote Taiwanese opera as the founder of Shintrun Taiwanese Opera Troupe have been equally impressive, and she has given Taiwanese opera lessons around the country, Tsai said, adding that Liao’s work has helped build a complete ecosphere for Taiwanese opera performers in the country.
The Kavalan Development Association of Hualien County took the Community Building Award. The association created the Lala Ban (“the tallest mountain in the tribe” in Kbaran) workshop to preserve and promote the Kavalan people’s unique handicraft art of “banana peel filament weaving” used to make textiles. Through this it promotes a simple lifestyle and introduces the craft to an ever-growing audience, Tsai said.
The Humanitarian Dedication Award went to the Transasia Sisters Association, with the president lauding the association for its work to improve the rights of migrant workers and ensure the public better understand new immigrants through various channels.
Contemporary artist Zhang Xu-zhan (張徐展), who won the Creative and Innovation Award, has made animations featuring his self-made paper mache figures which have won numerous local and international awards, Tsai said.
Zhang has reinvented a traditional craft and touched audiences around the world, showcasing art’s infinite possibilities, Tsai added.
Our Island, a long-running docuseries produced by Taiwan Public Television Service (PTS), received the Public Advocacy Award.
Over its more than 1,000 episodes spanning 25 years and counting, the series has raised public awareness about Taiwan’s environmental issues and the president said she hopes the show will continue using its influence to bring about change for the good of society.
Tsai expressed hope that the award recipients will help nurture a new generation of talent to further enrich Taiwan’s culture and showcase the nation’s diversity internationally.
The Presidential Culture Awards is now in its 12th year, with Vice President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) serving as this year’s head convener and each category having its own convener and judges.
