Taichung's performing arts continues flourishing, achieving its third consecutive top rating from the Ministry of Culture! The Cultural Affairs Bureau's Outstanding Performing Arts Groups Support Program has been rated as “Exceptional” for the third time. Its Cultural Venues Operations Upgrade Program has been rated as “Excellent” once again. By fostering the growth of performing arts groups and developing unique cultural spaces, the Taichung City Government is building a city that excels in both cultural vibrancy and infrastructure.

According to Director-general Chen Chia-chun of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Taichung boasts over 750 performing arts groups and exceptional cultural venues. To support teams at different stages of development, the bureau has implemented a variety of subsidy programs through connections and partnerships, including the Outstanding Performing Arts Groups Support Program and the Performing Arts Incubation and Creation Program. Local groups are paired with cultural venues to root the arts within the community while also being prioritized for event performances. Additionally, support services, such as counseling, marketing, and promotional assistance, are provided to help these groups achieve steady operations and continuous growth.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau highlighted that the Outstanding Performing Arts Groups Support Program, now in its 27th year, is an important cultural policy between the Ministry of Culture and the Taichung City Government. The bureau has dedicated substantial effort over the years to encouraging innovation in artistic works, fostering deep-rooted arts, and amplifying voices on the international stage. In 2024, eight distinguished groups presented over 200 performances locally and globally, sharing exceptional art with an audience of more than 40,000. In November, an achievement-sharing event held at the National Taichung Theater attracted participants from nine counties and cities, including industry, government, and academia. The event created vibrant interactions with the groups, opening up opportunities for exchange and further collaboration.

According to the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Taichung's outstanding performing arts groups in 2024 exhibited remarkable energy. One such group, Open Theater Group, a senior modern theater team in Taichung, remains committed to its mission of “bringing theater into communities and bringing the people into the theater.” In addition to producing exceptional performances, the group has been selected as part of the artist-in-residence program by the Huludun Cultural Center for many years. It organizes summer drama camps for elementary school children, conducts theater tours, and participates in the Huludun Arts Festival, fostering the common good for both the venue and the troupe. Additionally, for the first time, the Cultural Affairs Bureau has collaborated with the National Taichung Theater on the Arts in Schools Program, where Pure White Dance Lab, which specializes in youth dance theater, is bringing its creative work directly to schools, encouraging students to explore and express their artistic talents.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau highlighted that the Taichung City Government is actively working to ensure the equitable development of cultural resources across the city's districts by facilitating the placement of excellent performing arts groups at various cultural venues. The city government has also engaged curators and art consultants to develop unique cultural festivals. As part of the Cultural Venues Operations Upgrade Program, 300 performances and exhibitions were held in 2024, drawing over 200,000 attendees. Moreover, to enhance the safety and comfort of the city's cultural spaces, the city government has invested almost 50 million NTD in reinforcing the structural integrity of the Houludun Cultural Center Recital Hall, which has served the community for over 40 years. The renovated venue is expected to reopen in July this year.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau also expressed its gratitude to companies such as Siliconware Precision Industries Co., Ltd., ASE Cultural & Educational Foundation, Chiu Ting Machinery Co., Ltd., Union Foundry Co., Ltd., Yungshin Social Welfare Foundation, and Master A-Tsung Taro Culture Museum for their strong support of the “Corporations Support Culture, Culture Shines in Taiwan” policy. Their contributions have promoted art education and cultural equity, allowing more people to enjoy diverse performing arts. For more event information, please visit the Cultural Affairs Bureau's official website (www.culture.taichung.gov.tw).