County Government Subsidizes 18 Slots for Hawaii Exchange Program Subsidy Program Now Open for Registration

(中央社訊息服務20240401 11:52:54)The Hualien County Government, aiming to continue the exchange of Austronesian cultures, has launched the “Subsidy Program for Participation in the 13th Pacific Arts Festival 2024.” This initiative provides subsidies to 18 artists, craftsmen, singers, and local specialty product teams who have been actively involved in dance, music performance, or handicraft creation in Hualien County. These grants will support their participation in cultural exchanges in Hawaii. The application deadline is April 9. The Pacific Arts Festival, held every four years, is the largest event of indigenous Pacific cultures, bringing together nations from the South Pacific for exchange, and is a major cultural event in the Pacific region. The 13th edition will be held in Hawaii from June 6-16, 2024, and will include opening and closing ceremonies, performance arts, visual arts, and crafts, among other activities.

County Mayor Hsu Chen-Wei stated that the exchange of Austronesian cultures is an important policy initiative for the county. This first-ever grant selection process aims to bring talented individuals to the Arts Festival for exchange, further realizing the policy vision of “Hualien to the World, the World to Hualien.” Applications will be accepted from today until April 9 (based on postmark date), with a two-step selection process including an initial review and a final review. Each selected participant will receive a grant of NT$80,000. The grant selection categories include:
1.Performing Arts: One group for music, dance, and chant (up to 8 members per group).
2.Visual and Craft Arts: A total of 8 individuals.
3.Souvenir Promotion: One team (up to 2 members per team).

The Hualien County Government’s Indigenous Peoples Department explained that participating in the Pacific Arts Festival will bring more international attention and exposure to the Indigenous cultures of Hualien. It will also promote cultural exchange and cooperation among Austronesian Indigenous peoples. Those who meet the subsidy selection criteria are encouraged to actively apply for participation. For more details about the subsidy selection program, please visit the official website of the Hualien County Government Indigenous Peoples Department (https://reurl.cc/aLOEZQ) to download the application forms, or contact the section member, Mr. Chuang, at 03-8225123.