Taiwanese performance groups head to two major European arts festivals, highlighting the 2026 European Taiwan Culture Year
The Ministry of Culture is sending eight Taiwanese performance groups to the Avignon Off Festival in France and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in the UK. Minister of Culture Li Yuan emphasized that these international stages are crucial for the growth of Taiwanese art groups and cultural promotion.
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(Central News Agency, Wang Bao-er, Taipei, June 2) The Avignon Off Festival in France and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in the UK will kick off this summer. The Ministry of Culture has selected eight works to perform, featuring elements of Taiwan's indigenous and Hakka cultures, as well as works exploring contemporary issues, adding highlights to the 2026 European Taiwan Culture Year.
Minister of Culture Li Yuan stated at a pre-departure press conference that sending groups to these festivals is the most important activity for nurturing Taiwanese performance groups. Many groups have grown by connecting with the international stage through these events.
Li mentioned that exchanges between Taiwan and Europe have reached a peak due to the European Taiwan Culture Year. This year, they plan to visit 10 countries with two themes: arts performances and human rights film festivals. "Taiwan wants to bring the shared value of 'human rights' to all of Europe through film festivals."
Li believes that his recent visits to Europe show that the impression of Taiwan is gradually emerging—from economy, technology, and semiconductors to culture. For example, author Yang Shuang-zi's International Booker Prize nomination sparked interest in the UK for her work "Taiwan Travelogue." Performances also allow audiences to recognize the uniqueness of Taiwanese culture.
For nearly 20 years, the Ministry of Culture has supported Taiwanese groups participating in these festivals. This year's Avignon lineup includes "Traces" by Chun Dance, "∞-Infinite Cycle" by Chuang Kuo-hsin Indigenous Dance Theater, "The World Looking Down" by Seed Dance, and "Rite of Spring" by Chuang Theater.
These works integrate local Taiwanese culture. "Traces" uses the body to respond to Hakka cultural memories, while "∞-Infinite Cycle" explores the relationship between dance, order, and memory through the Amis tribe's ilisin festival.
Notably, as the Avignon festival celebrates its 60th anniversary, Josué Serres of the French Office in Taipei noted that with 1.6 million annual visitors, this is a great opportunity for Taiwan. Past performances have been sold out.
For the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August, Taiwanese groups will perform under the "Taiwan Season" brand, including works by 16 Production, Under Mask, Seed Dance, and Tsao Yu-tien Dance Theater.
Minister of Culture Li Yuan stated at a pre-departure press conference that sending groups to these festivals is the most important activity for nurturing Taiwanese performance groups. Many groups have grown by connecting with the international stage through these events.
Li mentioned that exchanges between Taiwan and Europe have reached a peak due to the European Taiwan Culture Year. This year, they plan to visit 10 countries with two themes: arts performances and human rights film festivals. "Taiwan wants to bring the shared value of 'human rights' to all of Europe through film festivals."
Li believes that his recent visits to Europe show that the impression of Taiwan is gradually emerging—from economy, technology, and semiconductors to culture. For example, author Yang Shuang-zi's International Booker Prize nomination sparked interest in the UK for her work "Taiwan Travelogue." Performances also allow audiences to recognize the uniqueness of Taiwanese culture.
For nearly 20 years, the Ministry of Culture has supported Taiwanese groups participating in these festivals. This year's Avignon lineup includes "Traces" by Chun Dance, "∞-Infinite Cycle" by Chuang Kuo-hsin Indigenous Dance Theater, "The World Looking Down" by Seed Dance, and "Rite of Spring" by Chuang Theater.
These works integrate local Taiwanese culture. "Traces" uses the body to respond to Hakka cultural memories, while "∞-Infinite Cycle" explores the relationship between dance, order, and memory through the Amis tribe's ilisin festival.
Notably, as the Avignon festival celebrates its 60th anniversary, Josué Serres of the French Office in Taipei noted that with 1.6 million annual visitors, this is a great opportunity for Taiwan. Past performances have been sold out.
For the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August, Taiwanese groups will perform under the "Taiwan Season" brand, including works by 16 Production, Under Mask, Seed Dance, and Tsao Yu-tien Dance Theater.
FAQ
What is the goal of Taiwan's cultural diplomacy?
To promote Taiwan's unique culture globally and increase international recognition.