TNUA has announced the top-10 pieces of cultural and arts news of 2013, with the death of theatre director Hugh Lee being voted the most significant story.
Mr. Lee's death in July, followed by the closing of Ping-Fong Acting Troupe he founded, was deemed by the top cultural and arts news story of 2013. It received 1,337 votes in a survey conducted by the TNUA Graduate Institute of Art Administration and Management.
The second most important development in the local cultural and arts scene was the debut of Cloud Gate's "RICE" to mark the dance theatre's 40th anniversary in November (1,324 votes).
In third place was the Ministry of Culture's announcement of five groups selected under a special subsidization program aimed at promoting the Taiwan "brand" of performing arts (1,066 votes).
Announcing the results at a press conference, TNUA President Prof. Yang Chyi Wen noted that the annual survey – which marked its third year in 2013 – is praxis of art's social commitment and concern.
Prof. Yang said art is ubiquitous, and inspirations often come from the people's participation.
Prof. Yang also lamented the death of Mr. Lee, which he said was a tremendous loss to Taiwan's theatre art.
Some special guests were present to help unveil the survey results: a comedian representing the joy Mr. Lee had brought the audiences; a farmer representing Cloud Gate's "RICE"; and a kendoist representing the energy of the groups selected by the Ministry of Culture.
The appointment of former TNUA President Prof. Ju, Tzong-Ching as chairman of the board of directors of the National Chiang Kai-Shek Cultural Center is also among the top-10 stories.
The top-10 stories were selected by respondents to the survey from a shortlist of 20.