The 18th Taiwan-France Cultural Award will be awarded to the European Research Center on Contemporary Taiwan (ERCCT) of the University of Tübingenin Germany and the Paris-based Marché International du Disque et de l'Edition Musicale, the world's largest music industry trade fair.
The annual award is jointly presented by the Ministry of Cultureand the Academy of Moral and Political Sciences under the Institut de France, the highest academic body in France. Ithelps to promote cultural diplomacy and overseas research on Taiwan's culture, as well asto raiseTaiwan's international profile.
The ERCCT in Germany aims to promote Taiwan studies in Europe and systemize such studies. In addition to funding research, the center has organized a Taiwan-oriented documentary festival every year since 2009. The center is also a participant of the Ministry's Spotlight Taiwan initiative, a keystone project that enhances cultural exchanges between Taiwan and overseas educational institutes.
The MIDEM industry fair has worked closely with Taiwan's creative community and music industry since 2003 by establishing a Taiwan Pavilion at the fair, reporting on Taiwanese music in a special publication, and organizing the "Taiwan Night” concert series.
The presentation of the award to the MIDEM fair marks the first time that pop music was included in the awards category. In the past, award-winning fields have included literature, sinology, linguistics, performing arts, museums, and Taiwan studies.
The award has helped strengthen ties among Taiwan, France and Europe and has lauded those who've contribute greatly to cultural exchanges outside of the limelight.
Two recipients are selected on an annual basis; one that represents France and one that represents the whole of Europe.