The Tension between Heritage Claims and Cultural Governance: A Case Study from Taiwan

This study attempts to explore the issues on the involuntary tension between the heritage claims and cultural governance that follow from the devolution of heritage administration and the inherent contradiction between the universal heritage discourse and the local practical experiences in Taiwan. Through a review of the literature, the author shows the apparent existence of a dominant heritage discourse and the dramatic increase of alternative heritage recently. However, some controversial phenomena between the exclusive heritage legislation and the inclusive trend of heritage policy have been observed. With the help of historical research and Q methodology survey, this study goes on to explore the evolution of heritage concepts in Taiwan and various ways in which different people perceive heritage and the dilemma between the test of authenticity and necessary renovation, comparing the multi-lateral relations between various authorities and social actors in cultural governance. Finally, this study explores the gaps between the exclusiveness of heritage legislation and the inclusive nature of cultural governance. The exclusiveness derives from the orientation towards historical evidence of the dominant heritage discourse, which is instituted by heritage legislation, government agencies, professionals, international conservation organizations and conservation ethic, but which has no assent from ordinary people. However, this dominant discourse has recently been broadened by alternative heritage claims. After rethinking the meaning of heritage, the author submits that heritage is in fact the result of claim processes aimed at gaining official recognition to counter creative destruction in cultural governance. Furthermore, such processes involve complex, dynamic and multiple interactions which deeply influence the result of heritage claims.