Minister of Culture (MOC) Lee Yung-te presented certificates to four important preservers of traditional performing arts and crafts at a ceremony organized by MOC's Bureau of Cultural Heritage (BOCH) on Sept. 24.
The awardees included woodcarver Yu Li-hai (游禮海), temple painting artist Chuang Wu-nan (莊武男), puppeteer Chiang Shi-mei (江賜美), and Hakka bayin (客家八音) master Cheng Rom-shing (鄭榮興), all of whom were recognized by the MOC for the role they have played in preserving the nation's traditional performing arts and crafts.
The opening ceremony began with a puppet show performed by Chiang Shi-mei and the Happy Puppetry Company (真快樂掌中劇團). At the closing ceremony, Cheng Rom-shing led the Miao-Li Chen Family Pei-Kuan Pa-Yin Group (苗栗陳家班北管八音團) to perform "Flirtation at a Public House (糶酒)."
In his speech, Culture Minister stated that the certification ceremony is aimed at paying tribute to the living national treasures who have long been devoted to their own professions and have made significant contributions to Taiwan's culture and society. After being recognized by MOC, these preservers will carry on with "The Plan for the Preservation and Transmission of Folk Arts (民間藝術保存傳習計畫), passing on precious traditional skills and performing arts.
Minister Lee stressed that intangible cultural assets are priceless treasures in our hearts. In addition to continuation, he said the intangible cultural heritage should be more accessible to the public and be part of our life. He added that MOC will actively collaborate with related ministries, local governments, and private sectors to raise the profile of Taiwanese intangible cultural assets, as well as pass down these priceless treasures to nourish Taiwan's multicultural society and take its place on the global stage.
To showcase four national living treasures' significant achievements and unique creative styles, a special exhibition is taking place at the Cultural Heritage Park from now until Oct. 26. For more information, please visit BOCH's website or Facebook page.