At the Executive Yuan Council meeting today, the Ministry of Culture delivered a report on the Art Bank program introduced earlier this year, saying it will give local artists a greater stage of expression.
Under the program, artworks are purchased from Taiwanese artists and leased to government agencies and private organizations for display in public areas. Aside from beautifying the spaces and stimulating people's appetite for art, Premier Jiang Yi-huah said the Art Bank will promote local artists, energize the market and ultimately elevate Taiwanese art to a higher level. He asked other government agencies to lend their support.
The MOC said the Art Bank is an innovative model of art consumption where the participating organization provides the display space while the Art Bank designs the exhibition plan. The Art Bank also handles insurance, packing, shipping and installation on behalf of the lessee. The concept of leasing artwork requires long-term dedication and is expected to add a new dimension to Taiwan's cultural market.