Art Basel and Frieze Representatives Gather in Seoul for "Dive into Korean Art"

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Arts Management Support Center announced on April 20 that they will host "Dive into Korean Art: Galleries in Seoul" from April 24 to 27 across various locations in Seoul. The event aims to promote the overseas expansion of Korean artists and galleries and strengthen global networks.

The 2024 Dive Into Korean Art event in progress. Arts Management Support Center

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This program is designed to invite key figures from major international art fairs to Korea, directly introducing them to Korean galleries and artists and expanding opportunities for practical collaboration.

Now in its fifth year, the program has previously focused on inviting international art world curators to experience Korean artists' studios and creative foundations. In the first half of this year, its scope has expanded to include "galleries," which play a central role in the distribution of Korean art.

The Ministry and the Arts Management Support Center plan to strengthen the foundation for Korean art’s global expansion in a more multidimensional way by highlighting not only the creative base of artists but also the exhibition planning and operational capabilities of galleries.

This year’s event will be attended by eight representatives from major international art fairs across key regions, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, the Middle East, the United States, and France. Attendees include Claudia Chan from Art Basel Hong Kong, Corey Andrew Barr from Art Central, Viola Yao from Art Taipei, Eri Takane from Tokyo Gendai, Al Anood Al Hammadi from Frieze Abu Dhabi, Clara Andrade Pereira from Untitled Miami Beach, Kate Sierzputowski from Expo Chicago, and Alexandra Fain from Asia Now, who will all visit Seoul.

These guests will visit 19 new and mid-career galleries located in major art hubs of Seoul such as Samcheong, Cheongdam, Euljiro, and Hannam. Galleries on the itinerary include Gallery Hyundai, Kukje Gallery, Hakgojae Gallery, Johyun Gallery, WWNN, A-Lounge, and Shower.

They will also attend "The Preview Seoul" to observe emerging Korean galleries and artists, and explore possibilities for collaboration between domestic galleries and international art fairs.

On the event’s final day, April 27, a “Conversations” program titled "Dive into Change: Evolving Art Fairs and the Global Art Market" will take place at FES Hannam in Hannam-dong, Seoul. The discussion will cover topics such as the changing roles of art fairs, the growth of non-Western art markets, and the expansion of exhibition formats, with both the international guests and local art experts sharing their perspectives.

Kim Jangho, President of the Arts Management Support Center, stated, “This program will serve as a platform to expand the overseas potential of Korean art through direct connections between global art fairs and Korean galleries. We will continue to support Korean art’s closer ties to the global market through various inbound programs in the future.”

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