Ministry of Culture

Film director Tsai Ming-liang (蔡明亮), artist Liu Kuo-Sung (劉國松), and painter Cheng Shan-hsi (鄭善禧) were conferred the 36th National Cultural Award on April 27 in a grand ceremony held at the Executive Yuan. They all have a pivotal position in their respective professional fields, with works and achievements having far-reaching influence both at home and abroad. All three also actively guide and help the younger generations, and have made great contributions in promoting and advancing Taiwan's culture.

Minister of Culture Cheng Li-chiun expressed great gratitude to the three laureates for their contributions to culture and art, saying that the artistic achievements of the three masters do not require official certification.

Premier Lin Chuan noted that the path of artistic creation is accompanied by pain and that recognition only comes after a considerable investment of time and energy. He lauded the three masters for developing their innovative personal styles and for having never given up their interests and ideals even in the face of loneliness.

Liu, the first Taiwan painter to be elected as a foreign honorary member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, has reformed many traditional painting techniques and materials while pioneering many innovative ink painting techniques. Cheng, a well-rounded ink painter, has integrated folk art into his works and his paintings are full of local Taiwanese elements. Film director Tsai, whose works have a highly unique style, has brought a new dimension to Taiwanese film culture and is highly regarded in the global film circles.

The National Cultural Award, the country's highest honor for an individual in the cultural community, has been conferred since 1981 on those who have advanced different fields of culture and made special contributions to the preservation or innovation of culture. In recognition of the individual's lifetime achievement, each laureate is not only conferred a cultural medallion and a certificate by the premier but also receives prize money of NT$1 million to show the respect with which they are held.

From left to right: Filmmaker Tsai Ming-liang, daughter of artist Liu Kuo-sung, Premier Lin Chuan, painter Cheng Shan-hsi, and Culture Minister Cheng Li-chiun.