Taipei, June 25 (CNA) Cloud Gate Dance Theater, a renowned Taiwanese dance company, is calling for young and professional local artists to apply to join its 2010 Wanderer program and explore greater possibilities in life.

The 2010 Wanderer program is accepting applications until July 15 from people under the age of 35, budding and professional artists, and people under the age of 45 involved in social service and who have an enthusiasm for literature, music, performance art, image art or public service, a Cloud Gate press release stated.

“The experience of wandering around the world at a young age will permeate their entire lives,” the press release said.

“The program will allow self reflection among the young people and help them to solidify their aspirations,” it added.

According to Cloud Gate, application reviews and interviews will be conducted from Aug. 1 to Sept. 10, and the winners will be announced later in the month.

Winners will be awarded a grant of NT$80,000 to NT$150,000 (US$2,428 to US$4,553) plus return tickets, visa fees and insurance fees for a 60-day trip to any Asian country in 2010.

The Wanderer program was initiated in 2004 by Cloud Gate Theater founder Lin Hwai-min and has been sponsored since 2006 by Stat Shih, founder of the laptop-manufacturing giant, the Acer group.

Since then, a total of 41 Taiwanese artists have obtained grants under the program.

More information on the program is available on Cloud Gate’s Web site at www.cloudgate.org.tw or via its telephone line 02-2712-2102. (By Rachel Chan) Enditem /pc