In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and India, the Korea-India Artist Camp 2023 took place on Nami Island in Chuncheon, Gangwon-do Province, from September 5th to 14th. This event brought together ten artists from each country, all congregating under the theme “Tagore and Nature – A River.” The primary goal was to enhance bilateral cultural exchange and stimulate artistic collaboration.
Albert Kwon Jin-wook, the producer of this significant event, sat down for a Zoom interview on September 25th. He shared insights about the camp’s role in nurturing cultural bonds and its contributions to the world of art. As a member of the cultural affairs team at Nami Island Arts and Education, he is responsible for designing and executing global exchange and cultural programs on the island, renowned as a popular tourist destination in South Korea.
Here are some key takeaways from the interview.
Q: How would you summarize this year’s Korea-India Artist Camp?
A: The 2023 Korea-India Artist Camp spanned ten days on the picturesque Nami Island, bringing together ten artists from both Korea and India. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the event was designed to foster bilateral cultural exchange and stimulate artistic collaboration.
Q: What led to the selection of Nami Island as the venue for this event?
A: Nami Island is distinguished for its ongoing cultural exchanges with India, offering an inspirational natural setting and top-notch facilities that ensure a seamless experience for participants. These amenities include accommodations, meals, and workshops. The island initiated cultural exchanges with India back in 2005 and has since played host to numerous exhibitions and festivals, such as Diwali, India’s most significant holiday of the year.
Q: Could you tell us about the workshops and activities featured at the camp?
A: The camp featured workshops conducted by experts in various fields, encompassing traditional Korean music like pansori (solo lyrical opera), kathak (a prominent Indian dance form), yoga, art history, and visual arts. These workshops provided artists with valuable insights into both cultures, igniting their creative inspiration. Furthermore, interactive programs were organized to foster camaraderie among the artists.
Q: How did the camp engage with the local community in Chuncheon?
A: Community engagement was a pivotal aspect of the camp’s mission. Local students in Chuncheon had the opportunity to meet the artists, and together, they created tile murals in Gangchon Village. We also selected five artists from Chuncheon and extended invitations to students from two schools in the province to interact with the visiting artists.
Following the camp, we hosted an exhibition showcasing the works created on Nami Island, which was displayed at both Nami Island and Kangwon National University. This exhibition laid the groundwork for future endeavors, such as residency programs and art exchange exhibitions.
Q: Where will the traveling exhibition of the 20 artworks produced at the camp be hosted?
A: The exhibition has received a positive response from organizations in South Korea, specifically in Seoul, Chuncheon, and Daegu, as well as in India, in cities like Jodhpur, Pune, and Chennai. Based on this enthusiastic reception, we have decided to hold the event in six cities across both countries.
Q: What message would you like to share regarding the camp and its mission?
A: Through this camp, my sincere hope is that participating artists will forge strong human connections and draw creative inspiration that enriches their work. It is my belief that these activities will continue to drive active cultural exchanges between both countries, contributing to the broader canvas of global artistic collaboration.
reference – Korea.net Honorary Reporter.
https://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/HonoraryReporters/view?articleId=240970&pageIndex=1
