Arts Council Successfully Concludes '2024 Art Forest Festival'
All Proceeds Used at Arko Kkumbat Theater
Amid the enthusiasm and cheers of over 9,000 spectators, the 'Art Forest Festival' held on the 5th at the 88 Lawn Square in Olympic Park, Songpa-gu, Seoul, concluded successfully.
Hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Arts Council (hereinafter Arts Council), the 'Art Forest Festival' is a donation festival where all generations?from the MZ generation to families with children?enjoy performances together while reflecting on the meaning of supporting the arts.
At the festival site, children and youth from cultural blind spots, including Cultural Nuri Card recipients, child and youth welfare institutions, and young adults preparing for independence, were invited to enjoy the festival of sharing art together. All ticket proceeds from the festival were used entirely for the Arko Kkumbat Theater (formerly Hakjeon Small Theater) for children and youth.
The 'Art Forest Festival' opened with a lively performance by Korea’s only ska jazz band, 'Ska Jazz Unit.' Following this, the 'Seodo Band' delivered an exciting stage by layering pansori and folk songs over band music.
Adding to the excitement, musical actors Min Young-gi and Shin Young-sook presented a fantastic performance featuring famous musical numbers from Mamma Mia, Rebecca, Jekyll & Hyde, and more, heating up the atmosphere.
The crossover group Liberante, appearing for the second consecutive year, offered beautiful harmonies with more polished stage manners, while singer-songwriter Lee Mu-jin performed many hit songs such as ‘Episode’ and ‘Traffic Light’ with a dazzling live band session. Singer Kyuhyun delivered a variety of hit songs that perfectly matched the autumn night, including ‘Not Like That’ and ‘At Gwanghwamun,’ through vivid live performances.
The grand finale of the festival was marked by the legendary Korean rock band Kim Chang-wan Band. Starting with ‘Laying Silk in My Heart,’ the band closed the stage amid intense excitement with all generations singing along to familiar hits like ‘Your Meaning’ and ‘Already?’
Besides performances, the 'Art Forest Festival' attracted attention by offering programs where attendees could enjoy games and food while donating. Audience members enjoyed both fun and fulfillment by participating in the festival.
From the 2030 generation to family audiences, diverse spectators visited the retro-style arcade 'Yena’s Game Land' located on one side of the lawn and the resting area 'Yena’s Lounge' equipped with bean bag sofas, supporting the Art Tree with small donations while having a good time.
Companies also sympathized with the purpose of supporting the arts and enriched the on-site events of the 'Art Forest Festival' by sponsoring various goods. Jimboree, Samsung Publishing, White Sands, Domino’s Pizza, and others participated in art support through donations of goods. Food zone vendors also voluntarily donated a portion of their sales proceeds.
Jung Byung-guk, chairman of the Arts Council, said, “Over 9,000 spectators participated in the Art Forest Festival, demonstrating the positive influence of supporting the arts,” and added, “We ask for continued interest and participation in the Arts Council’s ongoing ‘Art Tree Campaign’ to support culture and arts.”
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