The Bureau of Audiovisual and Music Industry Development, charged with promoting Taiwan’s cultural and creative industry, was inaugurated by ROC Minister of Culture Lung Ying-tai May 22.
“The development of cultural industries such as television, pop music and films can be a major driving force behind the economy,” she said at the opening ceremony in Taipei City.
The new agency will spare no effort in encouraging collaboration across different fields, for instance, film or TV adaptations of popular literary works, by providing incentive programs or matchmaking opportunities, she added.
As part of an administrative overhaul, the newly formed bureau, with three departments and 81 staffers, took on oversight of motion pictures, radio, television and popular music from the disbanded Government Information Office.
Bureau head Chu Wen-ching, formerly director of the GIO’s Motion Picture Affairs Department, said, “Our priority will be bridging the gap between production and sales so that local talents can find outlets for their creativity.”
While the bureau is charged with managing subsidies, marketing films and TV abroad, and facilitating cross-industry collaboration, the MOC department of audiovisual and popular music industries is responsible for policymaking aspects, MOC sources said.
The bureau will also take over administration of several major cultural events formerly handled by the GIO, including the Golden Melody Awards for pop music and Golden Horse Awards honoring filmmakers. (THN)
Write to Kwangyin Liu at kyliu01@mofa.gov.tw