Many sectors of Taiwan’s economy have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially culture and the arts. To boost the culture sector, the culture ministry will begin issuing arts stimulus vouchers starting in July.
The COVID-19 pandemic has emptied out theaters and cinemas in Taiwan. But the easing of social distancing rules spells hope that the crowds will come back. To help these and other cultural venues get back on their feet, the culture ministry is set to start issuing vouchers on July 22 with the goal of stimulating the arts.
In all, the ministry will issue two million vouchers, each worth NT$600 (US$20). These will be redeemable via a mobile app. Every Taiwanese citizen and every foreign spouse with an Alien Resident Certificate is eligible for one of these vouchers.
They can be used at exhibition halls, concert halls, bookstores and music stores, movie theaters, and for pre-purchased tickets to cultural and arts events.
The ministry says it will have a separate budget for special vouchers aimed at senior citizens, children, and the disadvantaged, who might not have access to the mobile devices needed to redeem the ordinary vouchers.
Vouchers of both types will be redeemable until the end of the year.