Busan Metropolitan City is launching a new grant program to strengthen the creative foundation for young artists by supporting preparatory work before public presentation. The initiative aims to supplement the existing support structure centered on established artists and organizations, allowing young creators to focus on developing their work while easing financial burdens.
Busan announced on the 3rd that it will conduct open recruitment for the "K-Art Young Creator Support Project" in partnership with the Busan Cultural Foundation. The program covers all areas of foundational arts including literature, visual arts, performing arts (theater, musicals, dance, classical music, traditional arts), multidisciplinary arts, and convergence arts. Primary beneficiaries are artists directly engaged in creative work, including writers, directors, choreographers, composers, and critics. A distinctive feature is the broad recognition of practical preparatory processes before presentation, such as planning, research, and investigation, rather than just finished works.
The city expects this initiative to diversify the support system previously centered on organizations and mid-career artists, alleviating the chronic financial instability experienced by young pure arts practitioners in the region and creating a stable creative ecosystem.
The program targets 300 individual young artist-creators aged 39 or under (born on or after January 1, 1986). Selected participants will receive 9 million won annually, distributed in first and second half payments. Barring special circumstances, support will continue for two years through next year, with ongoing monitoring of creative processes and outcomes. The plan aims to establish a medium-term creative foundation beyond one-time support.
Applications will be accepted online through the National Culture and Arts Support System (NCAS) from 3 p.m. on the 4th until 3 p.m. on the 31st. Results will be announced on the Busan Cultural Foundation website following review by the Busan Cultural Foundation and the Korea Culture & Tourism Institute. Program details are available on the websites of the Busan Cultural Foundation or the Arts Council Korea.
Cho Yu-jang, Director of the Culture Bureau, said, "At a time when the excellence of Korean culture is spreading globally, creating conditions for young artists who will lead the global content market is an essential task. We will concentrate policy efforts to help young artists settle in the region and realize their dreams."