Minister of Culture Cheng Li-chiun flew to France to attend the Paris ceremony for the 22nd Taiwan-France Cultural Awards on Sept. 10 to honor those who facilitate European interest and understanding of Taiwan.
Established by the Ministry of Culture and the Institute of France's Academy of Moral and Political Science and Politics in 1996, the Taiwan-France Cultural Awards aim to advance cultural exchanges among Taiwan, France, and other European countries.
Two awards ― usually one individual, one group ― are bestowed annually to recognize outstanding achievements in the academic and cultural promotion of Taiwan. Laureates each receive a cash prize of €25,000 as well.
However, instead of awarding two individuals or organizations like the past editions, the 22nd edition has selected four individual winners ― filmmaker Jean Robert Thomann, ethnologist Veronique Arnaud, designer Christian Rizzo, and scholar Stephane Corcuff ― with a cash prize of €12,500 each.
Academy Secretary Jean-Robert Pitte noted that cultural exchanges between Taiwan and France began in the 1970s through individual-backed events, but the scope of exchanges has since expanded considerably with the establishment of the Taiwan-France Cultural Awards in 1996.
Culture Minister Cheng thanked the Academy and all those who make the annual awards possible. She also expressed gratitude for the four laureates conducting research on Taiwan, as their work have introduced Taiwan's colorful heritage and diverse legacy to more people around the world.
The Minister concluded that despite the mounting political pressure thwarting Taiwan's international participation, the nation remains one of the most diverse, inclusive, progressive, and innovative regions in Asia today. As an indelible piece of world heritage, Taiwan has much to share with the international community, she stated.
Meet the laureates
Filmmaker Jean Robert Thomann (尚若白)
Ethnologist Veronique Arnaud (維若妮卡‧雅諾)
Designer Christian Rizzo (克里斯汀‧赫佐)
Scholar Stephane Corcuff (高格孚)