On 8 September 2026, we were delighted to welcome Taiwan’s Culture Minister, Li Yuan (李遠), and a distinguished delegation to our literature house to sign a new Memorandum of Understanding with the National Museum of Taiwan Literature.
The agreement marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the relationship between Norwich and Taiwan. The first initiative will see Taiwanese added as a new language strand in National Centre for Writing’s Emerging Translator Mentorships programme this year.
During the visit, guests were given a tour of Dragon Hall, NCW’s 600-year-old medieval home. Minister Li reflected on the long history of cultural exchange between Taiwan and the UK, highlighting the importance of strengthening international literary connections. Building on NCW’s longstanding work promoting Taiwanese literature in English translation, including a chapbook series produced in partnership with Norwich-based independent publisher Strangers Press, the new agreement aims to deepen collaboration and help bring more Taiwanese writers and books to readers UK audiences.
The delegation from Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture included Lin Hsin-jung, Senior Executive Officer; Chi Tung-yang, Director-General of the Department of Cultural Exchange; Liu Hsing-yi, Senior Executive Officer; Lin Chien-chi, Section Chief; Liu Pei-yu, Professional Manager; and Lin Lung-pin, Officer.
Representatives from the Ministry of Culture were joined by eight journalists and three members of the Cultural Division.
We are delighted that this partnership is creating new opportunities for cultural exchange and look forward to deepening the connections between Taiwan and Norwich in the years ahead.
Norwich attendees included Paula Sanchez, CEO and Creative Director of NCW; Councillor Jenny Knight; Dave Shraga, Sheriff of Norwich; Alan Waters, Chair of NCW; and Anna Goode and Cecilia Rossi from the British Centre for Literary Translation (BCLT).
Paula Sanchez, CEO & Creative Director of National Centre for Writing said:
‘It was a pleasure to welcome distinguished guests from the Taiwan Ministry of Culture and wider cultural sector, including Culture Minister Li Yuan, to our Literature House this month. The visit provided a valuable opportunity for exchange and dialogue, and we were delighted to share the work of National Centre for Writing, Norwich UNESCO City of Literature, and the rich history of our medieval home at Dragon Hall. We were especially pleased by the enthusiasm and interest shown by our visitors.
‘This year marks an exciting new chapter in the relationship between National Centre for Writing, Taiwan Ministry of Culture, and National Museum of Taiwan Literature, with the introduction of a dedicated Literature from Taiwan strand to our internationally renowned Emerging Translator Mentorships programme, mentored by the acclaimed Jeremy Tiang.
‘We are delighted that this partnership is creating new opportunities for cultural exchange and look forward to deepening the connections between Taiwan and Norwich in the years ahead.’
