Art Sonje Center

As one of the ways to search out new artists, the Art Sonje Center has organised parallel projects in various forms to accompany the main exhibitions. For instance, the parking lot project has utilised the underground parking space and at the cafe project mural paintings are made at the cafe located at the lobby of the Art Sonje. As well, various outside projects have been organised that actively reflect on the location specificity of various areas. These projects that utilise various auxiliary facilities and the external locations add the aliveness and challenge to Art Sonje Center. Furthermore, the Art Sonje adds the works by the young artists who have been introduced at its exhibition into its own contemporary art collection as a way to provide stimulation and realistic support for young artists.

Also, Art Sonje actively participates in international exchange activities and the introduction of Korean artists to the international art field. With the introduction of domestic artists in international galleries and international art journals, and through network activities based on mutual trust, we give our best effort to introduce domestic artists in the international art field. Through networking with major art museums and artists especially in other Asian countries, the Art Sonje Center is becoming an important center for Asian cultural exchanges.

Along with the programs such as exhibitions, artist searches, and the introduction of Korean artists into the international field, Art Sonje has been carrying on its educational function of an art museum as well. We provide education programs for children, youth and adults, and we also have school liaison programs. With these, we provide the opportunities for the general public to approach contemporary art more easily. The programs such as the professional lecture series, international symposiums, and art film screenings have received a good reception not only by those professionals in the fields but also by the general public.

The Art Sonje Center is located in Sokeuk-dong that links the Kyungbok Palace area and the Insadong area, the two main scenes for Seoul culture and art. Sokeuk-dong is a unique area located in the middle of ancient cultural museum and the contemporary art scene, and it has kept the traditional living style and the residence architecture of the old Seoul. The Art Sonje Center is establishing itself as an important cultural backbone, while keeping the unique local colour and breathing-in intellectual vigour and the global perspective.