The Ministry of Culture has launched the "Picture Book and Illustrated Book New Talent Award Program" for the first time, with submissions accepted from now until October 15. This program targets new creators who have not yet published or have published no more than two picture books or illustrated books. Each year, 30 creators will be selected to receive a reward of NT$600,000, along with mentorship from the judging panel. Upon completion, their works will have the opportunity to be published and included in the foreign translation promotion list, making this an all-encompassing support program from creation to publication and international promotion.
Since taking office, Minister of Culture Li Yuan has emphasized deepening cultural roots and proposed this reward program. The program was launched two months after Minister Li took office, aiming to allow creators to focus on their work while providing necessary guidance and support. Minister Li stated that the program aims to provide each creator with a basic living allowance for one year, along with expert guidance, publishing matchmaking, and international promotion mechanisms to aid in the creation and global development of their works. "If an investment of NT$18 million can produce 30 outstanding picture books, then it is a worthwhile investment."
The Ministry of Culture explained that the creation period for the award program is one year. In addition to holding award briefing sessions, the judging panel will serve as mentors, providing guidance, exchanges, or group discussions based on the creators' needs. Mid-term and final publishing matchmaking meetings will be held, with experts and publishers offering creative advice and assisting with publication matchmaking. Upon completion of their works, the Ministry of Culture will select three annual new talents, awarding an additional NT$50,000 and assisting with publication and inclusion in the "Cultural Black Tide: Expanding Taiwan's Literary Texts - Books from Taiwan 2.0" promotion list.
In recent years, Taiwanese picture books and illustrated book creations have been internationally recognized, such as Animo's "Love Letters," which won the Special Mention in the Poetry category at the 2021 Bologna Ragazzi Awards, and Lin Lian-En's "HOME," which won the First Prize in the Story category the same year. The Ministry of Culture hopes that this program will provide new Taiwanese creators with the space and opportunities for creation and publication, promoting their works in both domestic and international markets.
