Expansion of Citizen Performances... Enhanced Programs for Children and Youth
Lee Min-geun: "A Festival Where All Citizens Become One"
Ansan City in Gyeonggi Province announced on May 7 that the 21st Ansan International Street Theater Festival, held from May 3 to 5 around Ansan Culture Square, concluded successfully.
Citizens are watching street performances at the Ansan International Street Theater Festival held at Ansan Culture Square in Ansan City. Photo by Ansan City
Held under the slogan "Art Meets on the Street, Connecting the World," the festival attracted approximately 540,000 visitors over three days. This marks an increase of 190,000 people compared to last year, and the city explained that it was the largest scale since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The city cited the expansion of citizen participation programs as the main reason for the increase in visitors. The "Citizen Version," which features performances by amateur citizen artists, saw 67 citizen performance teams participate, 45 more than last year. The Citizen Version included 27 youth teams, 3 university teams, 11 amateur performance teams composed of foreign residents in Ansan City, and 26 citizen amateur performance teams.
The selection of official invited works tailored to the audience's preferences also stood out. By focusing on street theater, circus, dance, and performances that are easily accessible to the general public, the festival increased audience engagement. In particular, many of the invited works adopted a free format that broke down the boundaries between the audience and performers, which was seen as a contribution to the popularization of street theater.
A fireworks show is being held at the closing ceremony of the Ansan International Street Theater Festival. Provided by Ansan City
The event also strengthened spaces and programs for children and youth. Family visitors increased thanks to attractions such as the "Splashing Water Playground" and "Funkkolong Jungle Gym" for children, while a variety of participatory programs were designed for youth, including Giant Jenga, Stress Free, Buzzer Beater, Random Dance Stage, and Street Karaoke.
The city also aimed to revitalize local businesses during the festival by introducing programs that guided visitors to neighborhood commercial areas. A tour bus was operated to provide a one-stop connection from the festival venue to Wongok-dong Multicultural Street.
Lee Min-geun, Mayor of Ansan, stated, "The Ansan International Street Theater Festival has become more than just street performances; it has become a precious time where citizens and art meet on the street and connect hearts. Next year, we will prepare even more carefully so that both citizens and visitors can come together as one through street art."
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