Art as a valuable asset

I went to Seoul, South Korea in October 2013 as part of a UK delegation of three venues – one from Newcastle, one from the Midlands and one from Wales – to its Performing Arts Makret. We had a very busy week meeting venue managers and artists, watching shows, and attending talks and discussions.

The trip was fascinating, and particularly eye-opening was the level of both private and public investment that is being funnelled in to the arts industry; it is definitely viewed as a valuable asset, both culturally and socially, and a clear marker in the country’s development. Especially interesting were the venues that are part of the Seoul Arts Space; scattered around the city to aid the rejuvenation of particular areas, each is dedicated to a different art form. The centres are clearly developing hives of creativity through various different residency programmes.

Coming from a regional theatre, it would have been interesting to see what was going on for the arts outside Seoul. There were definitely comparisons to be made between the influx of artists into Seoul from the regions and the pull of the London scene to young regional artists in the UK, and how this was effecting regional arts organisations. We were part of a round table discussion with some regional organisations that touched on this topic but I would have loved to have been able to explore it further.

The artists, venues and companies that we met were so varied that there isn’t a ‘one-size fits all’ approach to cultural exchange with South Korea. They are looking for a two-way relationship – they don’t just want to receive international work but want to work internationally as well. It is also not just about touring work but about an exchange of artists, ideas and practices, and an opportunity to learn from each other.

The whole trip was incredible. The main things I took away from Seoul were the amazing hospitality of our hosts, the wealth of opportunities that are being made available to artists there, and the drive and enthusiasm evident in developing the arts in South Korea.

Katie Catling is Programming Manager at Northern Stage in Newcastle. Her trip to Seoul was supported by the British Council.