Yeongju City’s ‘Body Art Play’ Program a Success... Experience-Based Classes Foster Creativity and Sensibility

Yeongju City in North Gyeongsang Province has concluded the 'Body Art Play' program, which was operated for local elementary school students.

Yeongju City is operating the 'Body Art Play' program for local elementary school students. Photo by Yeongju City

This program was held a total of 28 times from April 14 to May 16, with 15 sessions at Yeongju Elementary School and 13 sessions at Anjeong Elementary School. A total of 95 students participated. The classes were conducted in an experience-based format designed to develop students' physical senses, creativity, and artistic sensibility, and received a positive response.

'Body Art Play' was organized based on an original curriculum personally developed by Yoon Hyejeong, director of the Body Art Play Research Institute, and Hong Seungyeop, artistic director. Both participating students and school officials expressed high satisfaction with the program.

This program is one of the child and family experience programs prepared by Yeongju City using the Local Extinction Response Fund, and was promoted to provide local children with new opportunities for artistic experiences.

Shin, a fourth-grade student at Yeongju Elementary School, shared, "I thought it would just be a dance class, but I was able to enjoy many fun and amazing experiences. I want to participate again with my friends next time."

Director Yoon Hyejeong said, "Thanks to the active support from Yeongju City, we were able to provide children with meaningful artistic experiences. It has also been confirmed that body-based art play has a positive effect on children's cognitive abilities and concentration."

Kim Geumju, head of the Child and Youth Department at Yeongju City, emphasized, "This program was a valuable opportunity for children to naturally expand their creativity and artistic sensibility through bodily movement. We will continue our efforts to ensure that all children can enjoy educational and cultural benefits befitting a child-friendly city."

Yeongju City is operating various hands-on programs using the Local Extinction Response Fund, including 'Body Art Play', 'Traditional Performing Arts Experience Education', and the 'Family Health Walking Festival'. The 'Family Health Walking Festival' is scheduled to be held at the River Breeze Playground on June 14.