Lee Young-ran, Suncheon City Council Member, Highlights the Need for Suncheon Arts Center and Proposes Construction Directions

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] Lee Young-ran, a member of the Suncheon City Council in Jeollanam-do (Chairman Heo Yoo-in), advocated the necessity of constructing the "(tentative name) Suncheon Arts Center" and presented the direction for its promotion during a 5-minute free speech at the 1st plenary session of the 251st extraordinary meeting held on the 6th.

Lee stated, "Suncheon City is simultaneously pursuing the titles of 'East Asia Cultural City of the Year' and 'Legal Designation as a Cultural City,' raising its status as a cultural city, but cultural facilities for citizens are severely lacking," pointing out that the currently operated Culture and Arts Center is not fulfilling its function as a complex cultural space.

She continued, "At this point, the tentative plan for constructing the 'Suncheon Arts Center' under review by the city is considered timely," adding, "I would like to make several suggestions so that the newly constructed Arts Center can be easily accessible to citizens, linked with the local community, and established as a cultural space capable of interactive communication."

Lee argued, "To enable the Suncheon Arts Center to function as a place for forming cultural communities among citizens and for social cultural activities, in addition to a large-scale performance hall, sufficient multipurpose facilities such as small theaters, practice rooms, and educational studios that residents can easily access should be provided," and proposed, "To utilize the building's outdoor space, content such as street plays, traditional yard plays, and live performances should be developed, and the space should be opened as a resting place for citizens and tourists by renting it out as an outdoor wedding venue."

Furthermore, citing the Incheon Culture and Arts Center and the Gothenburg Museum of World Culture in Sweden as examples, she claimed, "As an ecological cultural city harmonizing ecology and gardens with differentiated cultural and artistic content from other cultural cities, the Suncheon Arts Center can fully serve as the center of ecological culture in Korea by showcasing ecology, gardens, and culture and arts together."

Finally, Lee concluded her 5-minute free speech by urging, "Although many difficulties are expected due to COVID-19, please ensure the successful hosting of the East Asia Cultural City opening event scheduled for the 14th and the smooth preparation of related follow-up projects."