In a live webcast of the Executive Yuan's "Open Mic" program today, Minister of Culture Hung Meng-chi talked about the government's strategies for developing Taiwan's cultural and creativity industry.
Culture is a practical part of daily life, Hung told program host Executive Yuan Spokesperson Sun Lih-chyun. As a multi-ethnic society with a rich cultural heritage, Taiwan stands among the most liberal and open ethnic Chinese societies in the world. All of these factors and conditions are important for cultural development, Hung said.
"Promoting Taiwan's cultural and creative industry can build up the nation's creative and cultural assets, which can turn into intellectual properties that generate wealth and jobs and enhance citizens' appreciation for the arts," noted the minister.
As for commercializing culture and creativity, Hung indicated that applying creativity across different fields to make unique designs can transform ordinary items into hot products. The most important thing is to build consumers' interest in products and services so that they not only have an aesthetic experience but recognize the value of the product, he added.
To help cultural and creative businesses with management, finances and intellectual property development, the Ministry of Culture (MOC) has a guidance and support program that offers free business management classes as well as one-on-one consultations. These assistance measures are tailor-made to the needs of different businesses with a view to helping them overcome difficulties each step of way.
In another program that helps cultural and creative businesses realize their dreams, the MOC provides an initial grant of NT$500,000 (US$15,200) to 60 new businesses per year. (These recipients are still eligible for other government subsidies for microenterprises and startups.) The MOC also works with universities and enterprises to establish incubation centers that offer consultation and assistance on software, hardware, services, technologies, expertise and funding. Annually, about 12 incubation centers are subsidized to serve 150 businesses.
To help Taiwan's cultural and creative entrepreneurs expand to the global market, the MOC has a three-pronged strategy. First, the government sets up the "Fresh Taiwan" pavilion at international cultural and creative exhibits to promote the country's image. Second, the MOC subsidizes individual businesses to participate in global exhibitions. Third, the MOC facilitates international business matching by organizing exhibitions where foreign buyers can meet directly with domestic entrepreneurs and discuss business opportunities.
In closing this evening's webcast, Minister Hung reiterated that the cultural and creative industry provides a future for young people, opportunities for creative talent, a market for microenterprises, and a healthy environment for artists. These are not abstract objectives or castles in the air and must be implemented in a practical manner, he said.
The webcast was aired live from 7 to 8 pm today and is available for viewing at https://goo.gl/k3qSb8. To view the Executive Yuan's other webcast programs, visit http://goo.gl/QMwscC.