Kim Dong-min, Bupyeong District Council Member, "We Must Establish a Stage for the Self-Sustaining Arts Group That Has Dedicated 14 Years"

Kim Dong-min, a Bupyeong District Council member (Democratic Party of Korea·Bupyeong 2, 5, 6-dong, Bugae 1-dong, Ilshin-dong), urged for the participation of local self-sustaining volunteer organizations in the 30th anniversary of the Bupyeong Folk Festival and called for institutional support for their independence.

During the administrative welfare committee's report on cultural tourism at the 274th extraordinary session held on the 29th, Council Member Kim began his inquiry by mentioning the 'International Youth Symphony Orchestra,' which has been operating free of charge for disadvantaged children for 14 years.

Kim stated, "I recently attended a performance by the orchestra and personally witnessed their high level of skill and the enthusiastic response from local residents," and pointed out, "It is regrettable that a self-sustaining organization that has quietly served for such a long time remains outside the official support system of Bupyeong District."

In particular, Council Member Kim proposed practical support measures utilizing the 'Bupyeong Folk Festival,' which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. He emphasized, "While budget support is important, the opportunity for artists to perform on stage is invaluable," and strongly requested, "Please recruit these capable local organizations from the planning stage of the festival to create performance stages linked to folk events."

He also requested careful administrative support reflecting the voices from the field, such as vehicle support for performances, provision of bottled water and lunch boxes, and a comprehensive survey of self-sustaining organizations that have been active for 5 to 10 years.

Additionally, Council Member Kim suggested measures to secure legal self-sufficiency for organizations to overcome financial difficulties. He noted, "Many organizations give up fundraising because they are unaware of the procedures," and emphasized, "It is necessary for the district and the cultural foundation to provide practical training within the legal framework to enable self-sufficiency, such as the registration of designated donation organizations and the issuance of donation receipts."

In response, the head of the Bupyeong Cultural Tourism Department stated, "We will review ways for local organizations to participate in consultation with the festival planning team," and the CEO of the Bupyeong Cultural Foundation also promised to provide guidance and review related to donation procedures, including the designation of professional arts organizations.

Council Member Kim remarked, "Nurturing sustainable self-sustaining organizations rather than one-off projects is the way to strengthen the roots of Bupyeong's cultural arts," and requested, "Please conduct active reviews and provide quarterly reports."