In light of the increasing complexity of the domestic art industry structure and the growing demand for transparency and accessibility of relevant information, the formulation of standards for the execution of artwork authentication and appraisal practices plays a critical role in the development of Taiwan's art industry. In 2021, the Ministry of Culture proposed drafting the "Artwork Authentication and Appraisal Standards" and initiated the planning of a talent cultivation mechanism. The Ministry commissioned the Taiwan Art Gallery Association (TAGA), in conjunction with the TAGA Taipei Art Economy Research Centre (TAERCentre), to draft the "Artwork Authentication and Appraisal Standards" in accordance with the needs of industry development. These standards are to be regularly updated in line with industry growth and will serve as a fundamental condition for promoting the sound development of the art market and cultural finance in Taiwan.
In 2022, Taiwan Art Gallery Association (hereinafter "this association") publicly announced and, in January 2023, released the three major standards of the "TAGA Artwork Authentication and Appraisal Standards." In 2023, under the guidance of the Ministry of Culture and in response to the increasing internationalization of the gallery industry, this project recognizes that the signatories of artwork authentication and appraisal reports must possess the professional knowledge and expertise necessary to competently perform these tasks. The plan aims to establish a learning environment for talent cultivation within the industry through private associations and chambers of commerce, setting up certification courses for "Artwork Authentication and Appraisal." Training will first focus on personnel related to the art industry, developing professional art appraisal talent and further assisting in establishing "job standards" and creating a "talent cultivation" environment. In other words, promoting the "Artwork Authentication and Appraisal Standards" will not only facilitate the transformation of artwork into assets and enhance the international market competitiveness of Taiwanese artists but will also encourage corporate involvement in art collection and provide opportunities for companies to support young or senior Taiwanese artists, fostering their growth and success in the art ecosystem. Furthermore, plans are underway to establish the "Artwork Appraisal Education and Ethical Discipline Working Group," which will set qualifications for appraisers and professional ethical standards in accordance with the "Artwork Authentication and Appraisal Standards" of this association.
This seminar was held on September 23, 2016. Dr. Chieh-Hsiang Wu from the Department of Fine Arts at National Changhua University of Education, Professor Wei-Tun Chang from the Department of Forensic Science at the Central Policy University, Professor Han-Chung Wu from the Cheng Siu University Conservation Center, Ping Lin, director of the Taipei Fine Arts Museum, and special committee member Yen-Ju Chou from the Department of Arts Development at the Ministry of Culture were invited to speak.
Discussion Agenda｜ Initial meeting and explanation by the operational unit. Professional Ethics Standards for Artwork Appraisal Professionals. Committee Recommendations｜ Recommend establishing a formal committee. Recommend considering the association’s position and legal nature to determine its binding force, consequences of violations, and legal hierarchy. Recommend comparing and referencing the determination methods and principles of other countries.
