Public Libraries to Become Local Culture and Arts Hubs... Ministry to Support 300 Clubs

Expansion of Support for Culture, Arts, and Reading Clubs Starting in April
Number of Supported Clubs Increased Sixfold from 50; Funding for Instructors, Materials, and Consulting Provided
Broader Opportunities for Local Residents to Enjoy Culture

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will significantly expand its support for culture, arts, and reading clubs in order to foster public libraries as hubs of local culture and arts.

Performance of the Dorandoran Theater Club at the Bukuljin Library in Uljin County, Gyeongsangbuk-do. Photo by Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

On March 24, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced that starting in April, it will support the activities of 300 culture, arts, and reading clubs operated by public libraries nationwide. The aim is to broaden the foundation for local residents to actively participate in and enjoy culture and arts activities centered around public libraries.

The scale of support has been expanded sixfold compared to last year. According to the Ministry, as of 2024, the average number of clubs per public library nationwide was 4.21, with significant regional disparities, leading to continued calls for increased support from the field. As a result, the number of clubs eligible for support has been raised from 50 to 300 this year, and the scope of support has been expanded from culture and arts to include reading clubs as well.

Selected clubs will receive support for activity expenses such as instructor fees and material costs, as well as opportunities to share best practices, participate in expert lectures, receive preliminary training, and attend training workshops. In particular, additional support will be provided to clubs running special Wednesday programs in line with "Culture Day," which will be expanded to every Wednesday starting from April 1.

Beginning this year, a new "Local Culture Connector" support program will be introduced to strengthen the self-sufficiency of clubs. Local Culture Connectors are experts who live in areas with public libraries and have experience in cultural planning or managing community-based cultural projects. They will assist the club leaders and participants in their growth and help facilitate club activities. The Ministry also plans to offer expert consultations and assessments to help clubs develop culture and arts programs, such as performances and exhibitions, in collaboration with local residents.

Gwangmyeong-si Haan Library Minhwa Research Club in Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

In November, the Ministry will host regional training workshops and a national club competition to present major activity achievements and share outstanding cases. Excellent clubs will be given opportunities to perform and exhibit their works, and those with remarkable activity records will receive continued support for up to three years.

Kim Yoseop, Director of Regional Culture Policy at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated, "We will spare no effort in supporting libraries to become centers of local culture and arts, going beyond being mere spaces for reading books," and added, "Through this project, we hope that more people will enjoy culture and arts in their daily lives and take the initiative in forming their own cultural communities."

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