The 6th Artisan Heritage Rising Stars Selection is now underway! To preserve artisan craftsmanship and showcase the spirit of skilled trades, the Taichung City Government Labor Affairs Bureau is holding the “2026 Artisan Heritage Rising Stars and Outstanding Technical Heritage Units Selection Event.” Applications are now being accepted through April 30, 2026! Mayor Shiow-Yen Lu places great importance on talent cultivation. This year, the emerging industry category of “3D Production” has been included for the first time, and an award category for “Outstanding Technical Heritage Units” has also been added. Total prize money reaches NT$780,000! The Labor Affairs Bureau welcomes artisans from all categories to lead rising stars in forming “mentor apprentice teams,” and also invites outstanding local organizations deeply committed to technical heritage to enthusiastically take on the challenge.
Director Shu-Yuan Lin of the Labor Affairs Bureau stated that Taichung is a city full of vitality across all trades and professions. Since Mayor Shiow-Yen Lu took office, she has actively promoted the building of strong skill foundations. Through artisan selections and commendations, superb skills across all industries can be passed down from generation to generation. This year, the “Artisan Heritage Rising Stars Category” will select entries in six categories: “Floral Art”, “Woodworking”, “Leathercraft”, “Artistic Masonry”, “International Cuisine”, and, newly added this year, “3D Production”. The new category encourages the use of computer software to create in virtual three dimensional space and transform designs into physical objects, symbolizing the entry of artisan spirit into the digital era.
The Labor Affairs Bureau pointed out that this year’s selection differs from previous years with the special addition of the “Outstanding Technical Heritage Units Category”, with three places available. This category is intended to recognize business entities or civic groups within Taichung City that have actively invested in technical talent training and promoted the influence of vocational skills. Any applicant with proven technical heritage achievements within the past three years, from 2023 to 2025, such as planning resources to cultivate key technical talent or recommending talent to participate in evaluations and win awards, may submit an application. It is hoped that this will establish exemplary models and drive the sustainable development of local industrial talent.
The Labor Affairs Bureau further explained that in the six categories under the “Artisan Heritage Rising Stars Category”, four “Outstanding” teams are expected to be selected in each category, for a total of 24 teams. In addition to receiving substantial prize money, award winners will also later be invited to serve as instructors for promotional activities, such as workshops, lecture sharing sessions, or the filming of short promotional videos for each category, sharing their journeys in technical heritage and enabling more citizens to see the value of artisans.
Applications for the “2026 Artisan Heritage Rising Stars and Outstanding Technical Heritage Units Selection Event” are being accepted from now through April 30, 2026, and outstanding artisans are invited to lead rising stars in participating together. For event details and the application guidelines, please visit the Taichung City Government Labor Affairs Bureau website for download (http://www.labor.taichung.gov.tw/Announcements/Artisan Heritage Rising Stars Selection). For further information, please call 04-22289111 ext. 35612 and ask for Mr. Hong.