The Golden Tripod Awards announced the winner of its 42nd special contribution award ─ veteran Taiwanese editor-publisher Chen Su-fang (陳素芳) ─ on Aug. 29.
With approximately 40 years of experience in writing and editing, Chen is the current chief editor of Chiu Ko Publishing Company (九歌出版社). She is a long-term advocate of compiling yearly anthologies and collating invaluable literary works in hope of preserving the essence of Taiwan literature.
She also plays a major role in the production of contemporary children's literature by curating the annual Chiu Ko Fiction Prize to support quality Taiwanese publications for teens and children. The jury panel unanimously recognized her advocacy and contributions to Taiwan's literary wealth.
Established in 1976, the Golden Tripod Awards were held for 35 years straight by the Government Information Office (GIO) until it was merged with the Ministry of Culture in 2012.
With the aim of promoting a culture of reading, improving the quality of publications in Taiwan, and recognizing outstanding Taiwanese publications and excellent publishers, the Golden Tripod is one of the most significant prizes in Taiwan's publishing industry.
A total of 1,257 entries signed up for the 42nd Golden Tripod Awards, vying for 20 awards under 4 categories ─ books, magazines, digital publications, and government publications. After the jury panel's selection and deliberation, 29 entries stood out from the rest, with another 35 entries recommended as quality publications for readers.
Given its growing budget from the central government during the past 2 years (NT$20 billion for 2019), the Ministry of Culture hopes to change its budgetary structure and put more emphasis on the prosperity of Taiwan's publishing industry, including more initiatives to fuel the power of local publications and boost the translation of foreign publications.
Minister of Culture Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君) noted that the themes of this year's entries encompass topics such as care for one's homeland, Taiwan's socio-economic culture, and insights on the nation's geographical history. They successfully demonstrate Taiwan's multicultural society and publishing freedom, connecting the island and its people through shared history.
The awards ceremony of the 42th Golden Tripod Awards will take place at Taipei Zhongshan Hall on Oct. 4. More information can be found at http://goldentripodawards.moc.gov.tw.