Rebooting the dragon at the cross-roads? Divergence or convergence of cultural policy in Taiwan

Abstract

This study reviews the evolution of the cultural and creative industries (CCI) policy in Taiwan. Beginning with the early 1990s, when the ‘culturalization of industries, industrialization of culture’ represented the central theme of Taiwanese ‘cultural policy’, it traces the shift to the present day, in which Taiwan’s ‘CCI policy’ has been driven by the broader economic rationale of pursuing international competitiveness. By examining the recent discourse and development of Taiwan’s CCI policy, the paper reveals that Taiwan’s CCI policy has served to widen, rather than bridge the gaps between ‘localization and globalization’, ‘culture and creativity’, and ‘network system’ of the CCI development and more importantly, has overshadowed cultural issues. Consequently, tensions are emerging which are challenging to future CCI policy development, especially at a time when Taiwan is becoming increasingly incorporated into the fastest growing economy – mainland China, which brings threats and opportunities to the CCI development in Taiwan.