Incheon Yeonsu-gu to Operate Dedicated Small Theater in Privately Donated Facilities... Opening in 2024

Perspective view of the exclusive small theater to be built in Dongchun-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon [Provided by Yeonsu-gu]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] Yeonsu-gu, Incheon is preparing to operate the region's first dedicated small theater by utilizing privately donated facilities.

The district announced on the 30th that it plans to operate a new creative art experience space called 'Yeonsu-gu House of Culture Art Plug' by receiving a cultural facility as a donation within a large commercial complex opening in 2024, located at 926-8 Dongchun-dong, consisting of 6 basement floors and 8 above-ground floors.

To this end, last November, the district signed a basic agreement on the donation of public cultural facilities with the building owner, Seobu TND Co., Ltd., and is currently discussing the concept of the cultural facility in line with the building permit application and contractor selection this year.

The space to be donated to the district includes 2,280㎡ of exclusive area on the basement 1st and 2nd floors of Square One Plus in Dongchun-dong and some above-ground spaces. The basement will house a small theater with two seating floors and a ceiling height of over 12 meters (314 seats) as well as exhibition facilities.

The basement 2nd floor will include the main hall's first-floor seating (216 seats), performance preparation facilities, and offices, while the basement 1st floor will be arranged with the second-floor seating (98 seats), main entrance, and exhibition space.

Additionally, the above-ground and basement 1st floors will be designed as a 'sunken' stage with an independent outdoor performance space linked to the Seunggi Stream waterfront area and pedestrian flow, serving as a connecting space from the ground floor to the basement 1st floor along with the performance hall.

Notably, this space is located at the main entrance of the collective building, making it the first thing visible to vehicles entering, and it includes the main pedestrian access route, making it expected to become a landmark within the region.

Originally, this site has been operated as 'Yeonsu-gu House of Culture Art Plug' since 2014 under a free lease from Incheon City. When the city sold the land last year, the buyer, Seobu TND, promised to donate part of the facility as a cultural space reflecting residents' opinions.

It is a rare case for a public cultural facility to be included in a commercial facility newly constructed by a private business operator. The district expects it will provide high-quality cultural enjoyment opportunities not only for residents but also for customers of E-Mart Yeonsu branch and Square One.

The district plans to use these spaces as a cultural base to nurture resident-led theater groups, media production teams, village record groups, and other resident art groups, along with professional performances in various genres such as theater, film, and indie band concerts.

Furthermore, the exterior of the facility will be discussed to express a dynamic urban image fitting for the future cultural city of Yeonsu-gu by utilizing media facades that project various videos onto the building's outer walls.

A Yeonsu-gu official stated, "Through the newly arranged 'Yeonsu-gu House of Culture Art Plug,' we plan to provide high-quality and diverse cultural content," adding, "We expect efficient synergy effects in conjunction with the Yeonsu Cultural Foundation, which has started full-scale operations."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.