The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on the 27th that, together with the Korea Artists Welfare Foundation, it will provide 3 million KRW each to 20,000 artists this year as 'Art Activity Preparation Funds' (formerly Creative Preparation Funds).
The Art Activity Preparation Funds are a program designed to support artists who find it difficult to continue their artistic activities due to reasons unrelated to art itself, enabling them to keep pursuing their work. This year, 60 billion KRW has been allocated to support 20,000 artists whose income is at or below 120% of the median income (2,870,416 KRW for a single-person household), providing 3 million KRW per person.
According to the Artists Welfare Act, artists seeking support must have completed their art activity certification as of the announcement date. Applications can be submitted online or by mail through the Art Activity Preparation Funds system from February 28 to March 31. Details on required documents and application procedures can be found in the project announcement on the Welfare Foundation’s website.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism selects recipients of the Art Activity Preparation Funds based on a combined score of applicants’ income, selection history, and additional points. Extra points are awarded to senior artists aged 70 or older and artists residing in rural fishing and farming areas, and priority is given to artists with disabilities to ensure their equal and unrestricted artistic activities. The biennial eligibility rule applies, so those who received the Art Activity Preparation Funds last year are not eligible to apply.
Recipients of the Art Activity Preparation Funds must use the funds for preparing their artistic activities and submit an 'Activity Report' within the designated period. Late submission or failure to submit the report will result in restrictions on participation in projects by the Korea Artists Welfare Foundation or future Art Activity Preparation Funds programs.
Shin Eunhyang, Director of Arts Policy at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated, "The Art Activity Preparation Funds are a program that provides necessary preparation funds to prevent artists from discontinuing their activities due to economic or other circumstances. We will continue to improve the system so that these funds can support artists’ free and creative artistic work."
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