Taiwan’s Cultural Diplomacy and Cultural Policy: A Case Study Focusing on Performing Arts (1990-2014) by Chun-Ying Wei Institute for Creative and Cultural Entrepreneurship Goldsmiths, University of London A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Creative and Cultural Entrepreneurship, October 2017 Supervisor: Dr Carla Figueira Co-Supervisor: Gerald Lidstone 1 Declaration of Authorship I, Chun-Ying Wei, hereby declare that this thesis and the work presented in it is entirely my own. Where I have consulted the work of others, this is always clearly stated. Signed: Date: 05 October 2017 2 Acknowledgements Writing a thesis requires a lot of kindness from other people. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to both of my supervisors, Dr Carla Figueira and Gerald Lidstone, who guided and accompanied me through the process. I also appreciate valuable comments received from Rod Fisher for enriching the horizon of this research and improving my written work. His casual chat on career prospect encouraged me to pursue a PhD, and I am glad I did it. Without their inspirations, the research would not have been materialised. I’m also genuinely grateful to Professor Gary Rawnsley and Dr Bi-yu Chang on their thorough examination and constructive advices given in the viva voce to make the thesis better. This research would not have been possible without the sponsorship of Government Scholarship for Studying abroad from Ministry of Education, Taiwan (Republic of China). By receiving this grant and becoming an international student in the United Kingdom, I also participate in the process of cultural exchange. I am indebted to the interviewees who kindly provide their insights on Taiwan’s cultural diplomacy. They are Tchen Yu-chiou, former Chairperson of Council for Cultural Affairs, Dr Chen Chih-Cheng of the Taiwan Cultural Centre in Paris, and Director Susan Yu of Taipei Cultural Center in New York. The staff in the Paris and New York cultural centres had also generously shared their expertise as the representatives of Taiwan’s cultural diplomacy. Several artists and cultural professionals also provided their perspectives on cultural diplomacy and relations, including Director Ping Heng of the National Theatre and Concert Hall, Derjk Wu, Baboo Liao Jiun-Cheng, Cecily D. Cook, and several interviewees who wish to remain anonymous. From their first-hand experiences, I gained deeper understanding and admire their passion for cultural relations. During the course of my PhD research, I would particularly like to thank my friends for their kind assistance. Chi-tsung Wu facilitated me to find interviewees, while Yi-Chen Lai and Joseph Tsai provided me with the accommodations in New York and Paris respectively. My friends in London and Taipei have been there to encourage me and helped with data collection. On the road of research, I have received so much kindness and convinced that ‘no man is an island, entire of itself.’ Last, but not least, I could not complete the PhD study without the support from my family. I am very fortunate to have Shunyu Pai as my husband and as the faithful peer reviewer. He and the family’s unconditional support enabled me to go through this endeavour. The thesis is dedicated to them, especially my mother Chang Yueh-Yun and father Wei Jung-Hsing (1948-2009). It is sad that my father could not see this happen, but I believe he is still looking after me from heaven. For my daughter Yun-He, who was born when the thesis revision is near completion. If she is ever curious about Taiwan’s cultural diplomacy and cultural policy, her mum’s doctoral research might have contributed a bit. 3 Abstract This thesis examines the implementation of cultural diplomacy through the perspective of cultural policy in Taiwan (Republic of China). It elaborates how the policy-making and practice have progressed in response to the changes of Taiwan’s domestic cultural politics and foreign affairs, including its relations with China (People’s Republic of China). As an empirical study, the research focuses on Taiwan’s cultural policy in the timeframe of 1990-2014 and more specifically on the promotion of the performing arts. The research identifies three crucial elements of Taiwan’s cultural diplomacy. It complements traditional diplomacy, acts as an outlet in the process of cultural identity formation, and showcases cultural and creative industries. Each element is prioritised at different phases of policy practice. However, a long-term and continuous strategy is absent. The research reveals that Taiwan’s cultural diplomacy emphasises more on its self-presentation than creating mutuality. The unsettled issues of cultural identity have its profound influence on cultural diplomacy. Meanwhile, the projection of soft power is not necessarily reinforced by the market-driven policy orientation and the quantifiable policy objectives. The research also illustrates the interaction among the government, artists, and other actors from the private sector. The key finding indicates that the government is constrained by bureaucracy and its own contested political status. Civil society at the individual level participates in cultural diplomacy with a sense of enthusiasm, while corporations in general are less motivated. The research provides empirical evidence on communicating soft power through cultural diplomacy without much hard power. In this case, the promotion of soft power is limited and does not necessarily compensate for the deficiency of hard power. 4 List of Abbreviations Abbreviation Full name ACC Asian Cultural Council CCA Council for Cultural Affairs CCI Cultural and Creative Industries DPP Democratic Progressive Party GIO Government Information Office KHICC Kwang Hwa Information and Culture Center KMT Kuomintang MOC Ministry of Culture MOEA Ministry of Economic Affairs MOFA Ministry of Foreign Affairs NCAF National Culture and Arts Foundation NPAC National Performing Arts Center NTCH National Theater and Concert Hall PRC People’s Republic of China ROC Republic of China (Taiwan) TAAC Taiwanese American Arts Council TBFF Taipei Book Fair Foundation TECO Taipei Economic and Cultural Office TNC Taiwan New Cinema TRO Taipei Representative Office Translation of Chinese names: For the names of Taiwanese Government Institution, cultural organisations, and individuals referred in this thesis, I follow their preferred English names used in public when they are mentioned in the text. The accuracy is reached at my best effort. 5 Table of Contents Taiwan’s Cultural Diplomacy and Cultural Policy: A Case Study Focusing on Performing Arts (1990-2014) Declaration of Authorship .................................................................................................... 2 Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................... 3 Abstract ................................................................................................................................. 4 List of Abbreviations ............................................................................................................ 5 Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1. Research topic ............................................................................................................... 8 1.2 Main themes of analysis ............................................................................................... 12 1.3 Literature review and theoretical framework .............................................................. 13 1.4 Research contribution .................................................................................................. 18 1.5 Overview of the chapters ............................................................................................... 19 Chapter 2: Theoretical Background 2.1 Soft power in international relations ........................................................................... 20 2.2 Current understandings in public diplomacy and cultural diplomacy ....................... 26 2.3 Criticism of cultural diplomacy .................................................................................... 36 2.4 Studies on nation branding ......................................................................................... 38 2.5 Cultural diplomacy and cultural policy ........................................................................ 42 Chapter 3: Research Methodology 3.1 Research questions and objectives .............................................................................. 46 3.2 Research assumptions ................................................................................................. 50 3.3 Research design ........................................................................................................... 50 3.4 Research methodology ................................................................................................. 51 3.5 Data sources, collection methods and analysis ............................................................ 53 3.6 Ethical issues and practical constraints ....................................................................... 56 Chapter 4: Research Findings: The Historical Context and Cultural Exchange in China-Taiwan Relations 4.1 Brief history of Taiwan and its external relations ........................................................ 61 4.2 Cultural policy and changes in Taiwanese cultural identity ........................................ 65 4.3 Soft