The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Arts Council (ARKO) announced on November 11 that they held a certification ceremony for the '2026 Arts Sponsorship Organizations and Excellent Arts Sponsorship Institutions' at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Seoul on November 10, recognizing eight organizations for their contributions to arts sponsorship.
This year, the newly certified organizations include two sponsorship organizations, the Gwanak Cultural Foundation and the Gyeonggi Cultural Foundation, and six excellent sponsorship institutions: Golfzon, Myeonsarang, Lotte Chemical, Dong-A Pharmaceutical, Korea Maritime Promotion Corporation, and Korea Midland Power. Including re-certified institutions, a total of 81 organizations currently maintain their certification.
The newly certified organizations have been actively engaged in sponsorship activities tailored to their respective business characteristics. Golfzon operates a choir for people with disabilities, supporting employment and artistic activities for disabled artists. Myeonsarang has sponsored the orchestra of a middle school in Jincheon, Chungbuk Province, for the 22nd consecutive year. Korea Midland Power has provided a cultural space in the Seoul Thermal Power Plant, laying the groundwork for the creation of the 'Danginri Cultural Creation Power Plant.' The Korea Maritime Promotion Corporation introduced a new sponsorship model called 'Marine Mecenat,' featuring events like the Marine Art Festival and Marine Music Festival.
Notably, Olympus Korea, Chong Kun Dang Holdings, Shinsegae, the Gyeongnam Mecenat Association, and the Korea Mecenat Association have maintained their certification for 11 years since the program's inception in 2015. They are recognized for demonstrating exemplary long-term and sustainable support for arts and culture beyond one-time sponsorships.
Olympus Korea and Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance were awarded the Minister's Prize for their contributions to arts sponsorship.
Lee Beom-hun, chairman of ARKO, stated, 'From the institutions that have maintained their certification for 11 years to those newly certified this year, the support shown by these certified organizations is a strong force sustaining the arts scene. We will continue to strengthen support so that certified organizations can gain greater recognition for the value of their sponsorship.'
Certified organizations receive a certificate from the Minister of Culture, benefits for using the certification mark, preferential immigration cards, and interest rate benefits from KB Kookmin Bank (for small and medium-sized enterprises).
* This article has been translated by AI.
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