Ministry of Culture-Performance Venues & Architectural Heritage

I. Objectives

To cultivate international interest and appreciation of Taiwan's culture, the ROC Ministry of Culture (hereafter "the Ministry") is seeking to establish long-term cooperative relationships with professional art and cultural organizations, leading universities, and established media outlets. The Ministry and partner organizations will both contribute resources to support a diverse array of enriching activities spotlighting Taiwan's culture. Prospective Parties can contact any overseas office or embassy of the ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a consultation.

II. Cooperative Model

1. Art, cultural, and educational institutions worldwide — including museums, art venues, cultural associations, universities, and research centers — as well as international media and news agencies are invited to apply for the Spotlight Taiwan Project. Applicants with established influence and a capacity for mobilizing public participation or professional networks will receive priority consideration.

2. This global competitive project is designed to encourage both Parties to contribute resources for collective benefit. Applicants who submit proposals for matching funding will receive priority consideration.

III. Scope of Cooperation

The Ministry will support partner organizations' undertaking of the following themes and forms of activities:

1. Content: Arts or cultural activities that have Taiwan's contemporary culture at their core, including performing and visual arts, cinema, TV production, music, literature and publishing, crafts, the creative sector, history and cultural heritage, or community empowerment.

2. Format: Activities that take the form of performances, exhibitions, film screenings, lectures, symposiums, and workshops; other joint ventures with iconic arts and cultural institutions and international exhibitors; or a comprehensive series of feature reports, programs, talent incubation initiatives, or interdisciplinary exchanges with industry leaders comprising one or more of the aforementioned activities.

3. Target Audience: Members of the general public or cultural professionals who are active in the applicant's city or country.

4. Marketing: Event promotions that encompass not only press releases and advertising via traditional media, but also incorporate social and multimedia campaigns.

IV. Funding Principles

1. This competitive grants program aims to benefit both Parties through the mutual contribution of resources. Upon the basis of co-financing, proposals that provide financial contribution or another source of funding will receive priority consideration.

2. In principle, the Ministry shall provide funding of up to US$30,000 for an approved project. Projects deemed particularly significant, progressive, and/or bring together the resources of a number of Parties (overseas representative offices or embassies of the ROC included) will not be subjected to the US$30,000 limit.

V. Proposal Guidelines

1. Application Deadline
Interested Parties shall provide a detailed proposal to a ROC representative office or embassy in their city or country (see full list: https://en.mofa.gov.tw/OverseasOfficeLink.aspx?n=1573&sms=957). Each representative office or embassy shall then review and submit up to two proposals to the Ministry. The application deadline is December 15, 2022 for projects scheduled for 2023. Please refer to Attachment 1 for proposal outline.

2. Proposal Requirements
A. Theme
Please provide detailed information of the planned events, such as lectures, symposiums, workshops, and other cultural activities, and elaborate on the target audience, collaborative partners, and the focus of these events (such as Taiwan's arts, cinema, music, or literature). Should the applicant wish to invite groups or individuals from Taiwan to headline these events, a guest list should be included in the proposal as well.

B. Timetable
Please provide a detailed schedule for implementing the proposed events.

C. Budget
Please provide a budget plan that states the estimated total expenditure and breakdown, the amount and percentage of expenditure to be shared by each Party (including the amount requested from the Ministry), as well as other sources of funding. Funding received from the Ministry's subordinate agencies, affiliated institutions or administrative corporations should also be declared.

D. Resources
Please introduce all participating personnel and organizations and the significance of their contributions (such as venue, equipment, or administrative support).

E.Marketing
Please present a multi-channel regional marketing approach (such as a dedicated webpage, print/digital campaign, media coverage, press release, social outreach, or press conference) for promoting the event(s).

F.Introduction
Please include a brief summary on all participating organizations and personnel.

G.Letter of Recommendation
Please include a letter of recommendation from the ROC representative office or embassy in your city or country. Administrative and implementation details of any previous collaboration(s) with the representative office, the Ministry, or other ROC agencies should be provided as well.

VI. Priority Considerations

1. Influence: Both the sway of the applying organization as well as its capacity for coordinating events.

2. Outstanding Theme: The selection of a theme that spotlights a unique aspect of Taiwan's diversity and cultural autonomy.

3. Inclusive Proposal: Diverse and professionally curated content, a reasonable budget, a strong marketing strategy, and proven ability to engage the public and mobilize regional networks.

4. Sustainable Framework for Collaboration: A joint prospect that can be repeated, conducted on a long-term basis, and/or sustained by its previous results.

5. Innovative Marketing: The effective utilization of multiple promotional channels and new media such as mobile apps, live video streams, and social networks.

6. Project Impact: The enhancement of the project’s impact based on the organization’s resources and connections (including the proposed self-funded amount towards the project).

VII. Remittances & Audits

1. Projects shall be evaluated in accordance to ROC regulations governing public procurement cases. Funding for approved projects shall be remitted by the ROC representative office or embassy in that city or country.

2. Representative offices/embassies and collaborating Parties are jointly responsible for the project's implementation, and the project must be carried out in its entirety by November 10, 2023. If the project encounters significant alterations or delays, including cancellations or withdrawal of proposed events, the Ministry must be notified by writing one month prior to the project's original debut date. In principle, withdrawal, deferral, or modification requests will not be accepted after July 2023.

3. A final report detailing the project's implementation (including documentation such as pictures, attendance numbers, media coverage, promotional materials, and the challenges encountered as well as any insights or prospective areas for future collaboration) and an expenditure table detailing all project expenses (with receipts attached) shall be submitted to the Ministry one month after the project’s completion; in principle, report submissions after November 30, 2023 will not be accepted. Unused funds are to be remitted in full as well. Please refer to Attachment 2 for final report template.