The National Award for Arts (formerly the National Culture and Arts Foundation Award for Arts) was established in 1997 in accordance with Article 20 of the Culture and Arts Reward Act, which states: “The National Culture and Arts Foundation (NCAF) shall establish various National Culture and Arts Awards and shall, after review, periodically grant such awards to outstanding workers in the realm of culture and the arts.” The National Award for Arts Act was then enacted, stipulating that NCAF shall be responsible for implementing the National Award for Arts, and furthermore, regulations shall be reviewed periodically to ensure that they conform with changing conditions in the art environment and the special status of the nation's highest awards. In 2015, it was further stipulated that review of the National Award for Arts shall be implemented every two years.

I. Mission

The National Award for Arts was established to reward artists who have made outstanding contributions. Over the years, the aim of the award has been adjusted to reflect the objective of rewarding “workers in the realm of culture and the arts who have made outstanding contributions and who are still actively pursuing artistic endeavors.” Priority is given to professionalism and persistent work when considering artists for the award.

II. Award Categories, Monetary Reward, and Quota 

The following 5 categories were established when the National Award for Arts was founded in 1997: Literature, Fine Arts, Music, Dance, and Theater, with one honoree selected for each category. Each honoree would be presented with an award trophy and a monetary award in the amount of NT$600,000. The two categories of Architecture and Cinema were added in 2003, with a maximum of 5 honorees selected. An adjustment was then made in 2005 to increase the maximum number of honorees to 7. The monetary award was adjusted in 2009 to NT$1,000,000 per honoree.  

III. Judging Process 

The shortlist of the National Art Awards is generated based on the two methods of recommendation and nomination. The judging process is divided into three stages of nomination, review of each category, and final adjudication. Committee members for the nomination, review, and final adjudication are selected by the NCAF board of directors. The list of selected honorees is announced after approval by NCAF board of directors. 

IV. Follow-up Promotion

In order to expand the influence and educational significance of the National Art Awards, after the honorees are selected, NCAF will organize an “Award Ceremony” and produce a printed “Special Issue on National Art Awards Honorees” and also plan a series of publicity and follow-up promotional activities.