Central News Agency Report

(CNA reporter Chiu Tsu-yin, Taipei, June 17) The '2026 Body Arts Festival' will take place in July. Minister of Culture Lee Yuan hopes the event will become a resident theatrical production, bringing joy not only to children in Taiwan but also to children worldwide.

Lee attended the press conference announcing the 'Body Arts Festival' today. Recalling his visit last year, he shared his emotional experience witnessing performers' faces up close in a muddy circus tent. 'Every face looked like a star, each capable of becoming an IP,' he said.

Lee specifically mentioned that after last year's disaster in Guangfu Township, Hualien County, the Ministry of Culture has continuously reflected on what it can do for the region. While direct disaster relief is beyond its mandate, the ministry can serve as a source of comfort. Hosting the 'Body Arts Festival' in Hualien this year is a concrete action demonstrating the ministry's ongoing support and companionship.

On policy, Lee explained that the Ministry has long supported performance groups through a three-tier system: Brand Teams, Taiwan Top (TT Teams), and Local Teams, allocating different resources to each level. He expressed deep appreciation that this year's festival has broadly invited teams from all tiers to participate.

'I hope teams—whether Brand, TT, or Local—can form alliances,' Lee said. He also urged corporations to provide stable sponsorship to arts groups through ESG mechanisms, saying, 'I hope ESG can mobilize companies to consistently support certain teams, with contributions growing year after year.'

Lee further revealed that the Ministry is launching 'TAIWANder International Arts Festival' this year, encouraging Taiwanese groups to collaborate and co-invest with international teams from the beginning to the end of the year. The government will provide higher funding support, aiming to cultivate local arts festivals in locations such as Chiayi, Tainan, and Kaohsiung that have the capacity to host international events. (Edited by Chang Ya-ching) 1150617

FACT BOX

  • Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
  • Category: Event