Stan Shih, founder of computer giant Acer Inc., was elected chairman of the National Culture and Arts Foundation by its board of directors Jan. 3.
Shih, who doubles as chairman of iD SoftCapital Group, is the first entrepreneur to become NCAF chairman. Although he described himself as “a layman when it comes to art,” Shih established Stan’s Foundation, which sponsors cultural activities, and serves on the board of Cloud Gate Dance Theatre.
Shih said he hopes to draw on his business background and experience in starting a company to bring new ways of thinking and working to the foundation.
“I hope to build an effective platform for collaboration between business and the arts, and expand the NCAF’s role as an art services organization,” Shih said. “The aim is to promote Taiwan’s competitiveness through its soft power.”
Currently, the NCAF has funding of about NT$6 billion (US$207 million), mostly from the Cabinet-level Council for Cultural Affairs, applied mainly to research and development, subsidies, incentives and promotion of culture and arts businesses.
CCA Minister Emile Chih-jen Sheng said he believes Shih will be of great help to the foundation in promoting cooperation between the arts and industry.
The NCAF was established in January 1996 to actively foster an exhibition and performance environment benefiting individuals working in the art and culture sector.
Chen Chin-cheng, assistant professor in the Graduate Institute of Arts Administration and Management at Taipei National University of the Arts, was elected NCAF executive director. Eight other business leaders were also among the 21 newly elected directors. Shih’s and Chen’s terms will last three years. (THN)
Write to Grace Kuo at morningk@mail.gio.gov.tw