The Ministry of Culture (MOC) announced the lineup for the 2026 Taiwan Brand Project, naming Taipei Puppet Theater (臺北木偶劇團) as the newest addition this year. Minister of Culture Li Yuan visited the troupe on Feb. 10 to congratulate the team on this significant achievement.
Under the Taiwan Brand Project, Taipei Puppet Theater will receive a subsidy totaling NT$154.9 million. The funding includes NT$125 million for annual operations and local arts programs, as well as NT$29.9 million for international exchange initiatives.
The Taiwan Brand Project previously included six groups: Tang Mei-Yun Taiwanese Opera Company, U-Theatre Culture & Arts Foundation, Ming Hwa Yuan Arts & Cultural Group, Paper Windmill Theatre, Bulareyaung Dance Company, Cloud Gate Culture and Arts Foundation, and Ju Percussion Group.
Minister Li noted that over four generations, Taipei Puppet Theater has been dedicated to promoting Taiwanese performing arts while continuously innovating and expanding international presence through overseas tours. He emphasized that the ministry remains committed to supporting traditional performing arts groups across Taiwan, providing assistance ranging from technical development to international touring opportunities.
Taipei Puppet Theater was founded in 2010 by Lin Yung-chih (林永志), a preserver of beiguan music in New Taipei City. The company brings together artists from diverse styles and disciplines to advance Taiwanese puppetry. It received recognition at the Golden Melody Awards for Traditional Arts in both 2023 and 2024.
