Hyundai Motor, the nation’s largest automaker, won the grand prix at the Korean Mecenat program for its support of the underprivileged’s access to the world of art, the Korean Business Council for the Arts said, Tuesday.
Amore Pacific, the largest Korean cosmetics company, was named the cultural contributor for its support of the short film industry while Kyongnam Bank won the cultural management award. Pharmaceutical company, Chong Kun Dang, was noted for its creativity in supporting the art scene. Koo Cha-hoon, president of LIG Cultural Foundation, was named the Mecenat of the Year for establishing a theater in southern Seoul, while Taekwang Industrial Company was acknowledged for its contributions to preserving the heritage of Korean stage performance.
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Hyundai Motor president Chung Jin-haeng |
According to the Mecenat association, Hyundai joined the organization in 2009 holding the “On Dream School Art School,” a program in which cultural and art training teams visit schools that have little exposure to cultural events and activities. The company also purchased tickets at 10 cultural centers across the country and sponsored the European tour of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra.
Amore Pacific has been hosting “Mise-en-scene Short Film Festival” for 11 years, helping it become an incubator for inspiring film directors. Kyongnam Bank established the Kyongnam Business Council for the Arts, linking 47 regional business groups with 60 regional artists. Chong Kun Dang supports the National Opera and hosting the Korea International Art Fair.
Koo in 2006 opened LIG Art Hall, which gives young and talented artists a chance to perform on stage. Taekwang bought Samilro Theater in Chungmuro, Seoul, which was on the brink of shutdown. It refurbished it and supported its performances. The theater is considered a mecca for small-theater activities.
The award ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon at the Westin Chosun Hotel in downtown Seoul with the Korean Business Council for the Arts Chairman Park Yong-hyun, Vice Culture Minister Kwak Young-jin, honorary chairman of the Federation of the Korean Industries Kang Shin-ho, and others attending.
By Bae Ji-sook (
baejisook@heraldcorp.com)
