The Culture Ministry has announced its “key incentives for new picture book and graphic novel talent” for the first time this year. This incentive program would provide prospective authors with a grant of NT$600,000 (more than US$18,000), what the ministry says is approximately one year’s worth of living expenses, with the goal that creators could dedicate their time to their creations free of financial burden.
The program itself is open to up-and-coming picture book and graphic novel creators who have never published, or have published fewer than two books. Applications can be submitted online until October 15. The goal of the program is to cultivate 30 new artists every year.
In addition to the one-time grant, the program would also offer a series of support mechanisms to new authors, including publisher matchmaking, reviewing and editing assistance, and foreign translation services.
After the works are finished, the Culture Ministry will further select three newcomers to receive an additional NT$50,000 (about US$1,500). The winners would be published and included in the foreign translation promotion list Books from Taiwan 2.0.
The Culture Ministry pointed out that Taiwan’s picture books and graphic novels have received multiple international awards in recent years. The aim is to provide Taiwan’s rising talent with the opportunities and resources to create freely, and promote Taiwan creativity, art, and expression in both domestic and international markets. Culture Minister Li Yuan (李遠) said that if the investment produces 30 wonderful picture books for Taiwan it will be money well-spent.