Operation of a Complex Cultural Space with 12 Creative Studios
Various Achievements Including Urban Tourism Souvenirs and Relay Exhibitions
'Gumi Youth Sangsangmaru,' a creative space for young artists in Gumi, Gyeongbuk, has celebrated its first anniversary. Sangsangmaru, which Gumi City transformed from an idle urban space into a creative hub, has supported the creative activities of local young artists over the past year, establishing itself as a central point in the region's art ecosystem.
'Gumi Youth Sangsangmaru' was created as part of the 'Young Artists Infrastructure Expansion Project,' a pledge project of the 8th popularly elected administration. At the end of 2023, the third-floor idle space of Geumo Market was remodeled for this purpose.
The opening ceremony was held on April 30, 2024, introducing the space to the public, with a total budget of 800 million won invested. Sangsangmaru is operated as a complex cultural space with a total floor area of 1,081 square meters (327 pyeong), featuring 12 individual studios, exhibition spaces, and a shared lounge.
The first cohort of resident artists consists of 12 young artists working in diverse fields such as painting, photography, crafts, design, and webtoons. They began their creative activities in December 2023.
Through a variety of artistic activities?including solo exhibitions, citizen-participatory art programs, urban regeneration-linked projects, the development of tourism souvenirs, and public design competitions?these artists are engaging with the local community and expanding the horizons of their creativity.
Notably, some resident artists were selected for the Gumi Cultural Foundation's Art Creation Support Project and held solo exhibitions. In December 2024, they shared the results of their year-long residency with citizens through an exhibition.
Starting in 2025, the Gumi Cultural Foundation will take over the management of the space, establishing a systematic art support system by assigning professional curators and planning programs. As a result, Sangsangmaru's artistic activities are spreading beyond the vicinity of Geumo Market to the entire downtown area of Gumi.
The 'Gumi Youth Sangsangmaru Relay Exhibition,' held in collaboration with Kumoh National Institute of Technology, will run from April to October at the university's on-campus gallery. Young artists from various genres?including textile crafts, character content, Korean painting, Western painting, and three-dimensional art?are participating.
This exhibition is expected to broaden the foundation of Gumi's art ecosystem and further enhance the creative capabilities of young artists.
Kim Jangho, Mayor of Gumi, stated, "Young artists are freely engaging in creation and experimentation at Sangsangmaru, infusing Gumi with cultural vitality." He added, "We will continue to expand the intersection between the region and the arts through public residencies and build an art ecosystem where values are shared with citizens."
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