The Taiwan government began to provide subsidies for indie bands in 2010 to participate in various international music festivals. For example, that very same year three of them - io, The 13 Band, and Mary See the Future - participated in the Liverpool Music Festival in 2010. In the following year, Tizzy Bac, We Save Strawberries, and My Skin Against Your Skin took part in Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival (Korea) in 2011. In addition to giving direct financial support to these indie bands, the policy also provides promoters an entire package to participate in international music festivals through a bidding process. For example, in 2013, the indie label Taiwan Colors Music won the bid to take part in China’s Strawberry Music Festival, while the live venue brand The Wall Music participated in a project at the Fuji Rock Music Festival. This music policy looks to create a win-win situation as, on the one hand, the indie music business can benefit from such participation by expanding their experiences and vision at an international level. On the other hand, the government can help promote Taiwanese culture globally through local bands’ performances at international venues, making the export of music a vital part of cultural policy.
關聯:
Routledge Global Popular Music Series: Made in Taiwan Studies in Popular Music
