Taiwanese artisans certified by the "Taiwan Crafts Workshop (臺灣工藝之家)" program are now encouraged to apply with local authorities for tourist road signs leading to their workshops, marking a big step forward for the government's efforts in promoting such venues as tourist attractions.
According to Director Hsu Keng-hsiu (許耿修) of the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute (NTCRI), Hsu Chao-tsung (許朝宗), chairman of the Association of Taiwan Crafts Workshop (臺灣工藝之家協會), has been approved by the New Taipei City Government to put up signs for his venue. His was the first case to be approved by the new initiative.
Although a total of 140 Taiwanese artisans have been certified by NTCRI as part of the "Taiwan Crafts Workshop" program launched in 2004 to help improve the quality of Taiwanese crafts, the nation's regulations governing traffic signs and tourist facilities produced a complicated process that deterred many applicants.
Assisted by the association's lobbying efforts, NTCRI has amended its regulations guiding the "Taiwan Crafts Workshop" program to provide clear directives and consultative services to certified workshops, including best practices for applying and installing a road sign.
All certified workshops that conform to national regulations governing the establishment of road signs at tourist and recreational sites are qualified to apply. All workshop signs will also be required to adopt a uniform design released by NTCRI.
The "Taiwan Crafts Workshop" certification system was established by NTCRI to help Taiwanese citizens learn more about the work environment of Taiwan's craftspeople. Integrating the artisanal sector with tourism will help boost economic benefits and raise brand awareness.
The Association of Taiwan Crafts Workshop was found in 2009 to foster the development of Taiwan's crafts culture while elevating the global visibility of certified workshops through major trade shows at home and overseas. In addition, the association serves as a mediator among private organizations, government agencies, and the crafts sector.
Click here for a map of all the workshops certified so far.