OT-2139
August 31, 2021
Remarks by AIT Director Sandra Oudkirk at Ministry of Culture MOU Signing and Center Stage Performance
August 31, 2021
Friends from the media, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. It is an honor to be here today to witness the MOU signing ceremony between Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture and the Foundation of Scholarly Exchange (FSE) as Honorary Chair of the FSE Board. The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational and cultural exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. During this anniversary year, it is wonderful to celebrate the establishment of the “Fulbright-Taiwan Ministry of Culture, Arts Professionals Grant” to support artists and cultural professionals from Taiwan to study in the United States.
Today’s MOU signing and the selection of two performing art ensembles from Taiwan to tour the U.S. as part of the Center Stage program are concrete examples of the deep and broad ties between the U.S. and Taiwan. Such exchanges not only deepen our friendship but also ensure that cultural exchanges of both the United States and Taiwan continue to grow.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Ministry of Culture’s support and assistance to Center Stage, and am very proud that two Taiwan performing art ensembles — Twincussion Duo and Resident Island Dance Theatre — will conduct an independent month-long tour in the United States during the 2022-2023 performance season. In addition to showcasing Taiwan’s unique culture, I also look forward to seeing our people-to-people ties continue to thrive and our shared cultural values continue to grow through this exchange program.
Thank you.
