Migrant cultural space to open in Seoul

A new alternative art space has been created to help migrant and Korean artists to connect and exchange ideas.

People of any nationality, religion, gender and sexual orientation are welcome at the new Freeport cultural space located near Sangsu Subway Station, in Mapo-gu, Seoul.

An opening party will be held at the venue April 28. The center will be open from 4 p.m. and the party will start at 7 p.m. Entertainment will feature Indonesian traditional dance as well as music from Mongolia. Food and drinks from different parts of Asia will be served. Entry to the multicultural performance night is free of charge but donations are welcome to help support the cause.

The center, which is run by the Asian Media Culture Factory, will then be open from 11a.m.- 8:30 p.m. every day except Mondays. It will offer multimedia workshops and multicultural classes. They will include workshops on video, photography, music and handicrafts.

It will also host migrant artists’ performances; screen films directed by migrant workers and offer a hirable space for member-organized events.

It will also offer a free archive of music, books and films with themes of immigration, cultural diversity and the developing world.

The center will host community parties so that different migrant groups can exchange ideas and cultures as well as an alternative Asian tea cafe.

The space is open to all, but full and cheaper access to its facilities will be granted to those paying a monthly membership fee of 10,000 won to help support its work.

AMC Factory is a group of artists and people of different ethnicities producing art works and cultural activities together. They have hosted a migrant art festival and help to train migrant art and culture activists.

The group has been granted two-year funding from the Beautiful Foundation to run the center. “Before we didn’t have any space where we could meet,” AMC Factory director Mahbub Alam said.

“As an artist, I am trying to do a lot of work with other groups but it is really hard to find a place where migrant artists can come and work together. With this space we should make something where migrant workers are welcome. They can share their opinions, have parties, and mix with the Korean community.”

For more information go to www.freeport.or.kr or e-mail amcfactory@naver.com.

By Kirsty Taylor (kirstyt@heraldcorp.com)