[Seoul | Arirang Culture Connect | November 7, 2025]
The global cultural organization Culture Masters, in collaboration with the Advocacy Alliance for Culture Masters (AACM), convened the 6th Session of its International Advisory and Directors' Board (IAB) on November 7, 2025.
The online meeting brought together distinguished experts, artists, and policymakers from across the world to review the progress of major international initiatives, including the Arirang Masters Program and the World Intangible Heritage Expo (WIN Expo 2026).
Chaired by Dr. Jayarajan Vakil, the session reaffirmed Culture Masters’ guiding vision of “Designing the World through Heritage”—a call for creative collaboration, cultural integrity, and shared global responsibility.
Expanding Global Participation and Institutional Partnerships
The meeting began with the introduction of two new IAB members—Ms. Joanne Orr (United Kingdom) and Ms. Chantal Jumel (France)—both renowned for their leadership in museum practice, cultural policy, and community-based heritage safeguarding.
Despite minor technical interruptions at the start, the meeting quickly regained focus, setting a tone of collegiality and professionalism that defined the session.
Arirang Masters Program – Upholding Excellence and Cultural Integrity
A central focus of the session was the evaluation of new candidates for the Arirang Masters Program, a flagship initiative recognizing distinguished practitioners of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) around the world.
The Board reviewed candidates from Iran, India, Korea, and Barbados, engaging in a substantive discussion on the distinction between academic contributors and living practitioners actively engaged in community-based transmission.
After deliberation, the following individuals were approved as Arirang Masters for the second half of 2025:
Mr. Ali Karimi (Iran) – Master of traditional Persian music and heritage educator
Prof. D.P. Omchery Bhalla (India) – Eminent Mohiniyattam dancer, scholar, and choreographer
Ms. Hee-jin Ahn (Korea) – Leading Gyeonggi Sori vocalist and educator dedicated to community engagement
Mr. Lim Woon-soo (Korea) – Bearer of Gwangmyeong Nongak, honored for his leadership in sustaining Korea’s percussion traditions and community-based transmission
The case of a Candidate who is an expert in traditional plant knowledge and education, was deferred for further review pending additional evidence of her role as a living practitioner.
This careful approach, balancing inclusivity and authenticity, reflects Culture Masters and AACM’s shared commitment to cultural integrity and ethical standards in heritage recognition.
Culture Masters and AACM – Building a Bridge from Local to Global
The session also reaffirmed the growing partnership between Culture Masters and AACM, emphasizing their joint mission to connect local creativity with global cultural dialogue.
Board members underscored the importance of deeper cooperation with Gyeonggi Province and Suwon City, encouraging AACM to expand its role as a field-based partner in promoting inclusive governance and sustainable cultural ecosystems.
Together, Culture Masters and AACM aim to strengthen education, research, and creative exchange—shaping a new model of “heritage-led solidarity” that links communities and institutions across the world.
WIN Expo 2026 – Reviewing City Readiness and Strategic Adjustments
A major agenda item was the progress report on the upcoming World Intangible Heritage Expo (WIN Expo 2026).
The Secretariat presented updates on negotiations with host cities, invitations for international performing groups, and the digital media partnership through CM+TV.
Several IAB members, however, noted concerns over the ambitious timeline and emphasized the need for thorough preparation.
The Board therefore resolved to hold a special coordination and review meeting in the first quarter of 2026 to assess the host city’s commitment and readiness, requesting the Secretariat to submit a comprehensive preparatory report in advance.
This decision aims to ensure transparent management, sustainable organization, and stronger institutional alignment before the Expo’s official launch.
Dr. SeongYong Park, CEO of Culture Masters, stated,
“The decision to postpone the originally planned invitational performance event was a strategic choice to prepare a more complete and higher-quality Expo.”
He added, “Together with the Advocacy Alliance for Culture Masters (AACM), we will develop the World Intangible Heritage (WIN) Expo into a global model of cultural innovation and international cooperation.”
Dr. Park further explained that close consultations are currently underway with the candidate host city, Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, and that “based on the results of these discussions, the organizing committee will soon report the detailed plans, timeline, and local partnership framework for the Expo.”
The Board also discussed the possibility of organizing a side event during the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee Meeting in New Delhi (December 2025), in cooperation with the Folkland International Centre for Folklore and Culture.
Digital Innovation and the Future of Living Heritage
Presentations by Najbudin Alam and Sigma Nath showcased progress on Living Heritage 60, ICHMasters and CM+TV, these pioneering digital platforms that combine AI-driven archiving with community storytelling and educational engagement.
The Board praised these initiatives as “innovative yet human-centered models for the future of ICH,” highlighting Culture Masters’ and AACM’s leadership in merging technological progress with cultural ethics.
Looking Ahead
The Board agreed to convene the 7th International Advisory Board Meeting on May 29, 2026, following the first-quarter coordination session to review the host city’s preparations.
Members also expressed their intent to hold an informal gathering during the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee Meeting in New Delhi to continue discussions on cultural collaboration and partnership-building.
As the session concluded, participants reflected on the enduring spirit of shared purpose and creativity that defines the Culture Masters movement.
The meeting affirmed that heritage—when lived, transmitted, and reimagined—remains a vital force for human dignity, peace, and coexistence.
About Culture Masters & AACM
Culture Masters, based in Gyeonggi Province, Republic of Korea, is a global cultural organization dedicated to the safeguarding, transmission, and creative development of intangible cultural heritage (ICH).
Its programs include the Arirang Masters Program, WIN Project, ICHMasters digital platform, and Living Heritage 60 media series.
The Advocacy Alliance for Culture Masters (AACM) serves as Culture Masters’ collaborative partner, fostering community participation and creative education.
Together, the two institutions work to build a sustainable cultural ecosystem that bridges local communities with the global heritage movement.
For further information, visit Culture Masters and the Advocacy Alliance for Culture Masters (AACM).