Weng Hsiao-ling's Budget Cuts to Culture Ministry; Theater Professionals Urge: Don't Let Politics Sacrifice Culture

Taiwan's arts community is voicing strong opposition to proposed budget cuts by legislator Weng Hsiao-ling, which target the Ministry of Culture. Weng, a member of the ruling Kuomintang (KMT) party, has put forward proposals in legislative committee meetings to reduce the ministry's budget by over NT$1 billion (approximately $31 million USD). These proposed reductions span numerous areas, including operational expenses, personnel costs, administrative functions, equipment procurement, and crucial grant funding.

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The cultural budget can certainly be supervised. If a certain amount of money is spent incorrectly or without effectiveness, it should be reviewed one by one. But you cannot use the cultural budget as a tool for political confrontation because of different political stances.

The Ministry of Culture has expressed concern that these cuts will have a widespread impact across various sectors of the arts and cultural industries. Lin Chia-feng, CEO of the Story Factory theater company and executive director of the Performing Arts Alliance, conveyed his deep concern over the proposed reductions. He emphasized that the cuts would not harm the Minister of Culture or any specific political party but would instead inflict damage on the countless cultural workers in Taiwan who are dedicated to their craft and striving for survival.

"I strongly disagree with such a significant reduction in the cultural budget," Lin stated. He argued that while budget oversight is essential, and specific expenditures should be scrutinized for mismanagement or inefficiency, using cultural funding as a tool for political maneuvering due to differing political stances is unacceptable. Lin stressed that culture belongs to all of Taiwan and should not be compromised in political disputes.

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Culture does not belong to any political party; culture is Taiwan's common asset. Political issues should be resolved politically, do not use Taiwan's cultural development as a sacrifice.

Lin Chia-feng issued a heartfelt plea, urging that political matters be resolved through political means. "Political issues should be resolved politically," he implored, "do not use Taiwan's cultural development as a sacrifice." His statement reflects a broader sentiment within the arts community that political disagreements should not come at the expense of the nation's cultural heritage and future development.

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I have worked in the cultural sector for 35 years and have seen too many frontline cultural workers who are working very hard and diligently. Today, these budget cuts will not harm the Minister of Culture or any political party, but will harm all Taiwanese cultural workers who strive to create and survive.