I. Background and Objective
The National Museum of Taiwan Literature (hereinafter referred to as "the Museum") aims to promote the use of its collections and is inviting researchers, writers, and translators to become Researchers in Residence (hereinafter referred to as "the Researchers").
This program has been developed to facilitate closer connections between the Museum and research, writing, and translation professionals. Its purpose is to provide these experts with opportunities to explore and interpret the historical relics and materials in the Museum related to the theme of Taiwan literature or culture. Through collaboration with researchers, authors, and translators, the Museum intends to enhance the accessibility of its collection and encourage the development of academic research, translation, and creative endeavors.
II. Planning
A. Location for research
Special Collections Section of the Museum’s library.
B. Funding
Payment for Researchers is as follows:
1. NT$16,000 (tax included) for R.O.C. nationals or foreigners residing in Taiwan for 183 days or more in the same taxable year (from January 1 to December 31).
2. NT$21,000 for foreigners residing in Taiwan for less than 183 days in the same taxable year. The Museum will withhold all kinds of income tax, supplementary insurance premium of the National Health Insurance, etc. in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Income Tax Act.
C. How to apply
1. Application Sessions and Methods
(1) Maximum Number of Applicants: Up to eight individuals per year, with a maximum of four individuals per session.
(2) Application Period: There are two sessions per year. The first session is from January to June, and the second session is from July to December.
(3) Application Schedule for Each Session: Applications will be open for a one-month period, beginning two months prior to the start of each session. All applications will be reviewed, and successful applicants will be notified individually by the 15th of the month prior to the start of the session.
The application timeline is as follows:
Session 1 (January-June)
Applications accepted from October1 to October 31, 2023 (Results will be notified on December 1, 2023.)
Session 2 (July- December)
Applications accepted from April 1 to April 30, 2024 (Results will be notified on June 1, 2023.)
(4) Professional Qualifications for Applicants:
a. Researcher
Researchers who hold the position of lecturer or above (including part-time positions) at a college or university, as well as PhD holders who specialize in Taiwan literature, culture, history, art and museology. Applicants with expertise in these areas are preferred.
b. Writer
Writers who have received recognition for their work, including the Taiwan Literature Awards by National Museum of Taiwan Literature, the Golden Tripod Awards for Publications, the Golden Horse Awards, the Golden Bell Awards and the Golden Harvest Awards by Ministry of Culture. We also welcome applicants who have received awards for best screenplays in television and film, grants from the National Culture and Arts Foundation, or other relevant awards as deemed appropriate by the museum.
c. Translator
Translators with experience in translating Taiwan Literature. Qualified candidates should have translated at least three pieces of work or one book, which have been published in domestic and international journals or officially published.
Applicants who meet any of the three criteria stated above can apply. The applicants are not limited to those with R.O.C. nationality. A maximum of four slots will be available in one session, and two sessions will be opened every year.
(5) Evaluation:
a. Application Documents
Applicants shall propose a research, writing or translation project in 800 words or less, describe the content of the proposed resident work, state the theme and summary, and present a brief collection list. Application forms need to be in Chinese or English.
b. Foreigners shall attach their academic experience certificate (researcher), award certificate (writer) and translation certificate (translator) to the Museum for review. Relevant files should be sent in electronic format together with the application form. R.O.C. nationals do not need to submit these certificates.
2. Assessment and Registration
(1) Assessment
After the assessment process has been completed, the Museum will announce the list of successful and waitlisted applicants on its official website. Selected applicants will receive an email notification with instructions on how to complete the registration process.
(2) Registration
To complete the registration process, all applicants must submit a "Work Plan" via email within the specified time limit. The Work Plan should include detailed information about the reservation of residency dates and times, as well as the management of related work, such as speeches. Please note that failure to submit the Work Plan within the specified time limit will result in disqualification. The next qualified applicant on the waiting list will be selected to replace them in sequential order. Disqualified applicants are not eligible to apply for the next session.
(3) The admitted applicants are required to provide the following documents, some of which may require a signature.
a. Contract, Letter of Authorization, and Consent to Use Photograph or Image
b. Receipt
c. An account of Chunghwa Post or Taiwan Bank
d. Non-Taiwanese citizens must provide a passport, Alien Resident Certificate, and any other required documents, including proof of their entry and exit dates from Taiwan as evidence of their duration of stay.
3. Process
Apply during the designated period for each session
→ Review
→Results will be posted on the official website. Accepted applicants receive notification and registration documents
→ Submit registration documents
→ Sign relevant documents
→ Begin the residency program
D. Resources
1. Cultural Relics Viewing:
(1) Residents may request to view up to two cultural relics during their residency. To facilitate the viewing process, residents must provide a list of cultural relics in advance, with a maximum of 30 items. Applications for viewing should be made in accordance with the museum's operating hours.
(2) Upon notification of the approval for the cultural relics viewing request, residents must reserve a viewing time within 3 working days. Viewing time slots are available on Tuesdays to Fridays, from 9:00 to 17:00. Museum staff will accompany residents during the viewing of cultural relics in the library.
2. Use of the Library's Special Collections Section:
(1) Before coming to work in the Museum, residents must make an appointment with the contact person of the residency program.
(2) Appointments are available from Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00-17:00. Upon arrival, residents should register at the Service Desk. Library’s collection can only be read on-site. Residents may borrow books in compact shelves according to regulations.
3. Residents must notify the contact person 2 working days in advance for appointment changes or cancellations.
E. Rules for Using Cultural Relics
1. Residents may scan and photograph themselves:
(1) Equipment: Residents may scan and photograph themselves using the Museum's vertical scanners, which must be reserved in advance. The necessary software should be downloaded and installed by residents. Additionally, residents must bring their own camera, hard drive, and computer.
(2) Authorization: The materials and images of cultural relics in the Museum are for viewing and use only under this program and may not be used for any other purpose. In case you wish to use the images outside the Museum, it is necessary to follow the "Directions for Using Digital Images of the Collections of the National Museum of Taiwan Literature" and submit an application and payment. Failure to do so may result in potential infringement.
2. Other Provisions
(1) In adherence to the principle of protecting cultural relics, if digital images of cultural relics already exist, only digital images will be provided, not originals.
(2) If the museum staff determine that the requested relic is in poor condition, access to it will not be provided.
(3) The use of the library is subject to the relevant library rules. Residents may bring their backpacks and writing equipment into the library.
F. Obligations of the Researchers
1. At least four visits to the museum to carry out residency work:
(1) During the residency period, the researchers shall work in the special collection area of the Museum’s library at least four times, including one special activity, with each time counted as one day or less.
(2) The researchers must check in at the library entrance and have the time recorded on the sign-in sheet as proof of fulfilling the above requirement.
2. Organize One Special Activity
(1) The form and content of the special activity must be related to Taiwan literature and culture, and implemented with the consent of the Museum.
(2) Provide handouts or educational materials in accordance with the theme.
(3) The activity must be held publicly during the residency period.
3. Complete one questionnaire or participate in one museum interview
(1) Please fill out a questionnaire related to this project or participate in a 15-minute interview before the end of the residency (choose either the questionnaire or interview).
(2) The purpose of the questionnaire or interview is to gain insights into the strengths, weaknesses, and overall effectiveness of the project, without including the research or creative outcomes of the Researchers. The collected data will be used solely for internal research purposes at the Museum and will not be disclosed to the public.
G. Other Expenses
1. The researcher is responsible for purchasing a photocopy card and will be charged photocopy fees according to the library's regulations.
2. The cultural relics and related images of the Museum are only for viewing and use solely within the context of the program, and may not be used for any other purposes. If the researchers wish to use the images for other purposes, they should apply and pay according to the "Directions for Using Digital Images of the Collections of the National Museum of Taiwan Literature".
III. Miscellaneous
A. The Researchers warrants that any information provided in connection with this application or the program does not infringe upon the copyright or other intellectual property rights of others.
B. The research funds provided by the project program include taxes. In the case of foreigners, the Museum will withhold various types of taxes in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Income Tax Act, and will disburse the funds after deducting the supplementary premium of the National Health Insurance according to the individual's status.
C. The Researchers should sign a contract with the Museum, which sets forth his/her rights and obligations. In order to ensure that the Museum has the right to use the photographs, videos, and other related files generated during the program, the selected candidate must provide a signed authorization letter. The authorization letter should grant the Museum the right to upload, publicly broadcast, reproduce, and distribute these files. For the photographs, videos and other related files in the process of the project, the letter of authorization must be signed, authorizing the Museum to upload to the website, publicly broadcast, reproduce and distribute.
D. The Researchers will be required to sign a consent form before using any images from the Museum. The Museum's materials and images are for viewing and presentation purposes only and may not be used for any other purpose. The Researchers must delete the copies of the images within one year of their initial access (the first session of 2024 expires on December 31, 2024, and the second session of 2024 expires on May 31, 2025). Any unauthorized use of the images beyond this period will result in legal consequences for the selected candidate. All legal responsibilities are borne by the Researchers.
E. The Museum reserves the right to modify the program content and to make the final interpretation of all terms and conditions.