On April 29, the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority announced that it will launch a project to invigorate the cultural ecosystem and strengthen exchanges and mutual growth with local artists, centering on 'Art Center Incheon'.
The authority has identified several key tasks, including enhancing the expertise and functions of the Art Center Incheon Operating Committee, promoting invitational performances by local arts organizations, and fostering local gifted talents. Starting next month, it plans to establish implementation measures through the Art Center Incheon Operating Committee and meetings with local artists.
In accordance with the revised ordinance for the operation of Art Center Incheon, which was amended and promulgated on April 24, the number of committee members will be increased from 10 to 15, and the chairperson will be elevated from the Director of Planning and Coordination to the Commissioner, thereby strengthening the committee's authority and role.
Additionally, the authority aims to seek practical measures to vitalize the cultural and artistic ecosystem, such as creating opportunities for exchange and mutual cooperation with local artists. It is also reviewing new projects, including a local gifted talent academy program, with the goal of establishing a virtuous cycle for nurturing artistic talent.
Art Center Incheon plans to host performances by Incheon-based arts organizations in the second half of the year, and is preparing a total of around 40 planned performances in 2025. The lineup includes not only world-renowned groups such as the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and the 12 Cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic, but also top contemporary performers including Cho Seongjin, Lim Yunchan, and Son Minsoo, who will visit Korea.
Yoon Wonseok, Commissioner of the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority, stated, "We will redefine the status and role of Art Center Incheon and combine the capabilities of the region and Art Center Incheon to serve as the foundation for Incheon’s major policy goal of becoming a 'Culture Powerhouse City'.
Meanwhile, Art Center Incheon opened its concert hall in November 2018 as the first phase of the project. With a diverse lineup ranging from performances by world-class artists to casual classical concerts accessible to all, it has firmly established itself as a globally recognized performance venue.
In addition, the second phase of Art Center Incheon, which will include an opera house (multipurpose performance hall) and an Art & Tech Center, is currently underway, with plans to undergo a central investment review in July 2025.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
