In a significant move, Taiwan has rescinded a prestigious national arts prize awarded to Indigenous artist Sakuliu Pavavaljung after his sexual assault conviction was upheld by the Supreme Court. This decision underscores a growing commitment to accountability and the protection of victims within the arts community, particularly in the wake of the Me Too movement.
Conviction and Repercussions
On 17 April, the Ministry of Culture and the National Culture and Arts Foundation announced that Pavavaljung would lose the National Award for Arts, which he received in 2018. Alongside the award, valued at NT$1 million (approximately £23,538), he has been mandated to return the funds. This action follows a ruling by the Supreme Court on 1 April that confirmed his sentence of four years and six months for forcible sexual intercourse, stemming from a 2021 incident involving a woman he was mentoring.
The Pingtung District Court had previously found Pavavaljung guilty in January 2025, stating that he had severely violated the victim’s sexual autonomy and inflicted significant psychological trauma. Despite his attempt to appeal the ruling, the highest court in Taiwan dismissed his case, leaving no further avenues for legal recourse.
The Rise of the Me Too Movement in Taiwan
The allegations against Pavavaljung first emerged in December 2021 when a fellow artist shared her experience of assault by an unnamed Paiwan artist on social media. This revelation sparked a wave of further accusations, including one from another woman who claimed Pavavaljung attempted to assault her in 2006. The Paiwan community represents Taiwan’s second-largest Indigenous group, adding a complex layer to this troubling narrative.
Notably, this revocation marks a historical precedent as it is the first instance where a national arts award has been rescinded under the disqualification provisions linked to the Me Too movement, which were introduced in 2023. Following the decision, Pavavaljung’s name was promptly removed from the award’s official website, a symbolic gesture reflecting the seriousness of the charges against him.
Impact on the Arts Community
Pavavaljung is renowned for his diverse artistic practice, which encompasses painting, sculpture, ceramics, and architecture, all rooted in the preservation of Paiwan cultural traditions. Born into a family of artisans, his work has historically aimed to revitalise and pass on Indigenous knowledge through public art and community projects.
Prior to the conviction, Pavavaljung had been slated to represent Taiwan at the Venice Biennale, a prestigious international art exhibition. However, in January 2022, the Taipei Fine Arts Museum announced that he would no longer be featured, citing the need to uphold Taiwan’s diplomatic image and avoid overshadowing discussions of artistic expression. His participation in Documenta 15 in Kassel, Germany, was also suspended, reflecting a broader movement within the art world to hold artists accountable for their actions.
In response to the allegations, an online petition garnered 1,152 signatures from art workers calling for institutional accountability and urging organisations to cease collaboration with Pavavaljung until he was exonerated.
Why it Matters
The revocation of Pavavaljung’s award signals a pivotal shift in Taiwan’s cultural landscape, demonstrating a commitment to prioritising the safety and dignity of victims over the reputations of individuals within the arts. This decision not only highlights the societal changes prompted by the Me Too movement but also reinforces the importance of accountability in creative spaces. As discussions around sexual misconduct continue to gain traction globally, Taiwan’s actions serve as a reminder that the arts community must confront and address such issues head-on, fostering an environment where both creativity and respect can flourish.
