On October 9, 2024, a signing ceremony for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Culture Masters and the International Institute for Central Asian Studies (IICAS) was held successfully at Siheung Turtle Island, Gyeonggi-do, Korea. The event was attended by board members of Culture Masters, key executives, major collaborative partners, local stakeholders, and media representatives, adding significance to this partnership.
Evren Rutbil, Director of IICAS (left), and Park Seong-Yong, President of Culture Masters, after signing the MoU.
Key Points of the MoU and Cooperation Directions
This MoU aims to preserve both tangible and intangible cultural heritage globally, including in Central Asia and Korea, and establish a foundation for urban development and economic growth through this heritage. The main areas of cooperation include:
Cultural Heritage Preservation Projects: Joint development of projects to preserve Central Asian cultural heritage and promote it globally.
Digital Content Development: Introducing Central Asian heritage on the global stage through digital platforms such as documentaries and social media content.
Collaboration on the Arirang Master Program: Expanding the Arirang Master Program to support and discover intangible heritage practitioners and artists from Central Asia and Korea.
Educational Program Development: Creating and running educational programs and training courses on cultural heritage management and urban planning.
Urban Development Cooperation: Establishing sustainable urban development models based on cultural heritage and promoting these models globally.
Photo: Attendees at the MoU signing ceremony.
Culture Masters' Presentation Attracts Interest
During the MoU signing ceremony, Park Seong-Yong, President of Culture Masters, and Jang Sang-Yuk, Chief Strategy Officer, delivered presentations.
Culture Masters’ Innovation Projects and Vision for Siheung Turtle Island
Park Seong-Yong presented the key innovation projects of Culture Masters and his vision for the development of Siheung Turtle Island. His presentation was divided into two main parts:
◆ Introduction to Culture Masters’ Innovation Projects:
Arirang Master Appointment Project: A program to discover and support global intangible heritage artists and practitioners.
Arirang Culture Connect (arirangculture.news): An online news platform promoting intangible heritage globally.
Training Programs for Intangible Heritage Practitioners: Development and operation of specialized training programs for intangible heritage practitioners, in collaboration with Central Asian universities.
Urban Development Projects: Proposing urban development models and strategies through intangible heritage.
He emphasized the importance of policies that actively address climate change and promote a culture of peace, which will be prioritized in all initiatives.
◆ Proposal for Siheung Turtle Island Development:
Marine Leisure and Intangible Culture Hub: Plans to develop Siheung Turtle Island into a global center for marine leisure and intangible culture.
Synergy with Smart Industrial Complex: A strategy to boost Siheung’s economy by linking creative cultural content industries with the Siheung Smart Industrial Complex.
Chief Strategy Officer Jang Sang-Yuk’s Presentation on the World Ethnic Performing Arts Festival and the Economic Vision Forum
Following this, Jang Sang-Yuk gave a brief presentation on the upcoming World Ethnic Performing Arts Festival and the Economic Vision Forum, which will be held at Siheung Turtle Island. He explained that these events would not only contribute to the development of Siheung Turtle Island but also serve as a platform for global cultural exchange and economic cooperation.
Director Evren Rutbil’s Congratulatory Remarks: Commitment to Strengthening Global Cooperation
In his congratulatory address, IICAS Director Evren Rutbil stated, "Through this agreement, we will actively cooperate to bring Central Asian and Korean cultural heritage to the global stage, especially by expanding the Siheung Turtle Island urban development project internationally." He expressed his expectation that both institutions would play key roles in future international urban development and cultural heritage preservation efforts.
Future Directions of Cooperation: Transforming Siheung Turtle Island into a Global City
Through this MoU, Culture Masters and IICAS plan to promote various projects aimed at transforming Siheung Turtle Island into a global cultural and economic hub. The two organizations intend to work together to develop Turtle Island into a center for marine leisure and intangible cultural heritage and to disseminate this sustainable urban development model globally.
Park Seong-Yong remarked, “This agreement is an important starting point for presenting an innovative model for cultural heritage preservation and urban development. We will continue to achieve great results through global collaboration and strive to establish Siheung Turtle Island as a world-renowned cultural city.”
Both institutions plan to strengthen their cooperation through various international projects, actively working to develop Siheung Turtle Island into a successful urban model and spreading this effort globally. They aim to position themselves as leaders in global cultural heritage preservation and urban development. (End).
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