Applications Accepted via Arts Management Support Center Platform Until October 25
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on October 13 that, together with the Arts Management Support Center, it is accepting applications from performing arts groups and venues (excluding those in Seoul) for participation in the "2026 Regional Performing Arts Distribution Support Program" until October 25.
The Regional Performing Arts Distribution Support Program is designed to help a diverse range of basic arts performances take the stage at public venues, such as cultural centers, across the country. This year, the Ministry and the Arts Management Support Center are supporting 223 productions (from 203 performing arts groups) at 177 venues nationwide. As of August, a total of 714 performances were held in 134 regions nationwide, attracting approximately 140,000 attendees.
Eligible applicants for the 2026 program include private performing arts groups, productions that have been completed and staged as paid performances, and public venues located outside of Seoul. The supported fields are the five basic performing arts categories: dance, musical, theater, music, and traditional arts.
The program is operated by having the Ministry and the Arts Management Support Center review the eligibility of groups, productions, and venues and provide funding, while the actual implementation involves the performing arts groups and venues entering into performance contracts and managing the operations through mutual agreement.
The Ministry explained that, for the 2026 program, it has expanded the choices available to participants and simplified the procedures. If performing arts groups and venues meet the application requirements, support will be provided for mutually selected performances within the total budget, based on separate criteria for groups, productions, and venues, without an additional review process. The application method has also changed. Instead of the previous "e-Naradoum" system, applications will now be accepted through "Performing Arts Distribution Partner (P:art:ner)," a new business-to-business platform developed specifically for the performing arts by the Arts Management Support Center. This platform serves as a space for performing arts groups and venues to share information and interact, allowing small venues or emerging arts organizations with low recognition to upload information about their group, production, or venue and expand negotiation opportunities. The Ministry expects that utilizing this platform will enhance the efficiency and transparency of the program.
The Ministry plans to provide further details on the application process, including information sessions and frequently asked questions, through the Arts Management Support Center's website at a later date.
Shin Eunhyang, Director of Arts Policy at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated, "The Regional Performing Arts Distribution Support Program aims to help outstanding basic arts productions be staged in local areas, thereby strengthening the sustainability of performing arts groups and expanding cultural enjoyment for local residents." She added, "We will do our utmost to ensure that the program's application structure is reformed to be more efficient and transparent, so that more artists and citizens can benefit."
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