Editorial

Shouldering heightened expectations

(Photos courtesy of CCA)

• Publication Date：02/26/2012
• Source： Taiwan Today

New minister of the Council for Cultural Affairs, Lung Ying-tai, faces heightened expectations from Taiwan’s private and public sectors. Stakeholders want her to steer an enlightened policy course, as well as deliver on ROC President Ma Ying-jeou’s pledge of transforming the island into an international oasis of culture.

So far, the people of Taiwan have responded positively to Lung’s Feb. 15 appointment. This is largely due to her previous role as director of the Taipei City Government Cultural Affairs Bureau during Ma’s mayoralty. At the time, she said the most important task for the bureau was to enrich the depth of domestic culture through creating an environment in which civil power could develop freely.

Lung also promoted the merits of local culture. For instance, her culture-lies-in-the-alley policy brought a variety of performances to every corner of Taipei. In addition, she opened over 20 experimental theaters and galleries as a way of encouraging the private sector to manage more cultural facilities.

The successes chalked up by Lung transformed Taipei into a world-class city of culture, explaining why she is tipped to repeat this feat on a national scale and take Taiwan’s soft power to the next level.

Lung’s reputation as a top-notch manager is not based solely on organizing shows and concerts; she won acclaim for formulating policies reflecting childhood experiences growing up in a southern fishing village. This desire to the bridge the gap in cultural resources between urban and rural areas is something Lung wants all CCA officials to share.

The importance of introducing Taiwan culture abroad is an extension of this goal. Lung sees the island’s civic virtue, creativity, cultural quality and economic power as among the best in the world, but not receiving the kudos they deserve.

In acknowledging that politics may be the reason for this unsatisfactory state of affairs, Lung is convinced culture can overcome such a hurdle and clear the way for Taiwan’s greater participation in the international arena. Her Taipei experience and committment to bridging the cultural gap give every reason to believe that a golden era of cultural achievement lies just around the corner for Taiwan.

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