Ministry of Culture-Performance Venues & Architectural Heritage

At this year's arts and cultural gathering "kah lí tàu-tīn (佮你鬥陣)" hosted by the General Association of Chinese Culture (GACC), its chairperson President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) expressed in a speech that she cherished this opportunity to gather with people from cultural circles, and hopes that everyone can work on pandemic prevention for the coming new year.

The gathering kicked off at the Taipei Ling-An Association (台北靈安社) with a lively Beiguan performance. After President Tsai's speech, the National Center for Traditional Arts (NCFTA) and Lei Sheng Art Group (雷昇傳藝劇團) took turns to present the dance drama "Wufu Ying Taiping (五福迎太平)," which combined traditional performing arts and temple fair rituals, and "kah lí tàu-tīn," which combined traditional drumming and acrobatics.

President Tsai pointed out that folk beliefs are an important spiritual pillar for Taiwanese people, a force that brings stability to Taiwanese society, and a precious cultural asset.

President Tsai stated that the Ministry of Culture has continued to advocate and promote traditional folk culture. GACC has also organized "Roar Now Bangkah (萬華大鬧熱)" in conjunction with the annual Monga Qingshan Temple procession. Through the market setting, the design and art are integrated into folk religion, allowing traditions to keep pace with the times and attract participants.

President Tsai said that the government has introduced arts and cultural relief schemes for arts and cultural groups and artists to tide over the difficulties, so that they may continue to create during the pandemic.

President Tsai emphasized that in the New Year, the government will continue to support the development of arts and culture. GACC has planned many upcoming activities in promotion of Taiwanese culture with the “Matsu Biennial (馬祖國際藝術島)” opening next month. Finally, President Tsai wished everyone a smooth and prosperous New Year.