The winners of the 23rd National Award for Arts have been revealed. These awardees include indigenous writer Syman Rapongan, visual artist Mei Dean-E (梅丁衍), performing artist Chen Feng-kuei (陳鳳桂), and documentary director Liu Sung (劉嵩).
As a member of the Tao people (達悟族) from the outlying Orchid Island (蘭嶼), Syman Rapongan challenges cultural hegemony by integrating the Tao language into Mandarin and offers a broader vision for Taiwan’s maritime literature by connecting with the cultures of the indigenous communities in the world.
Mei Dean-E is an influential figure in Taiwan’s art community. He creates his art in various forms, demonstrating his profound understanding of the changes in society, economics, and politics, reflecting on social reality with artistic language.
Taiwanese opera performer Chen Feng-kuei, whose stage name is Hsiao-mi (小咪), has been in the performing arts industry for over 60 years. She dedicates herself to the art of theater, be it traditional or modern. The actor’s hard work and professionalism make her a role model for young performers and a luminary in the Taiwanese opera world.
Director Liu Sung makes his documentary films with a unique style to explore Taiwanese culture, history, and social issues. His creations have a far-reaching impact on the documentary field in the country, contributing to Taiwan’s cultural preservation and inheritance.
The award ceremony will take place in Taipei on Apr. 26, 2024.