Taichung’s performing arts sector is flourishing, earning the “Double Special Excellence” rating in the Ministry of Culture’s 2025 evaluation and setting a new all-time record. The Taichung City Government’s Cultural Affairs Bureau’s “Outstanding Performing Arts Groups Support Program” has received the “Special Excellence” rating for the fourth consecutive time. Meanwhile, the “Cultural Venues Operations Enhancement Program,” which strengthens grassroots arts development and promotes collaboration with the corporate sector, has delivered remarkable results and secured its first-ever “Special Excellence” recognition. These achievements underscore the city government’s strong commitment to nurturing performing arts groups and advancing cultural venue development, positioning Taichung as a happy city distinguished by both hard and soft powers.

Chen Chia-chun, Director of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, noted that the Ministry of Culture has recognized Taichung’s clear and well-defined strategy for nurturing performing arts groups. The city government has established a tiered framework—comprising “Emerging Group,” “Outstanding Group,” and “Honorary Group”—tailored to teams at different stages of development. Through financial support, customized guidance, and marketing collaboration, this framework enables high-quality groups to operate sustainably and continue to grow. In addition, outstanding groups that are selected for three consecutive years are elevated to “Honorary Group” status in their fourth year. In 2026, this honor is conferred upon the Taiwan Yangqin Orchestra and TimeArt Studio. In recent years, the two groups have delivered more than 300 performances and outreach activities across counties and cities throughout Taiwan, as well as in numerous countries in Europe and North America, serving as exemplary art ambassadors for Taichung.

Chung Chuan-po, leader of the Taiwan Yangqin Orchestra, noted that in recent years, with the Cultural Affairs Bureau’s financial and policy support, the orchestra has created numerous works inspired by Taichung’s cultural history and urban landscape, and has presented performances in countries such as Canada and Singapore to promote the art of yangqin music. On the other hand, Wu Cheng-yu, leader of TimeArt Studio, noted that during the period in which the group was selected as an Outstanding Group, the resources and matchmaking support provided by the Cultural Affairs Bureau enabled the team to overcome bottlenecks that had previously been insurmountable when working independently. Collaboration among outstanding groups also generated artistic synergy, achieving results greater than the sum of their parts. This year, the team will perform in Hong Kong and will invite composers from Germany and Japan to engage in exchanges with young domestic musicians.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau stated that, in order to ensure balanced development of arts and cultural resources across all districts of Taichung, the city government has actively facilitated the placement of high-quality performing arts groups in various cultural venues. In addition, curators and arts consultants have been invited to develop distinctive festivals, while close collaboration with local theater troupes and residents has been promoted to enhance citizens’ and communities’ sense of cultural participation. In recent years, in response to the Ministry of Culture’s Cultural Points program for individuals aged 13 to 22, the bureau has also focused on younger generations by organizing hands-on workshops and offering dedicated youth seating. These initiatives encourage young people to step into the theater and experience the richness and creativity of the performing arts.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau added that it extends its sincere appreciation to Siliconware Precision Industries Co., Ltd. and the ASE Cultural and Educational Foundation, Moon Ring Ltd., Yuanshanxin Co., Ltd., Gao Wei Construction Co., Ltd., the Taichung Private Fu Kang Home-Based Long-Term Care Center of Fu Kang Long-Term Care Co., Ltd., Rotary Club of Taichung Harbor Central District, and Chiu Ting Machinery Co., Ltd., among others, for their strong support of the policy initiative “Enterprises Supporting Culture, Culture Illuminating Taiwan.” Through their support, these organizations have helped advance arts education outreach and promote cultural equity, enabling more citizens to enjoy a diverse range of performing arts. For more information on related events, please visit the Cultural Affairs Bureau’s official website (www.culture.taichung.gov.tw).