An artist’s reward for the creation of social value. Gyeonggi Province, the “Opportunity Capital,” works for the welfare of artists!

Meeting with approximately 50 artists who reside in Gyeonggi Province, Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim said, "Opportunity inc...

Meeting with approximately 50 artists who reside in Gyeonggi Province, Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim said, "Opportunity income for artists will be paid within the first half of the year."

○ A discussion was held with the participation of 50 Gyeonggi artists at the Gyeonggi Art Center on March 9
○ Governor Dong Yeon Kim: “Opportunity income is a reward for artists who create cultural value. Please support our local artists so that more residents can appreciate art and culture.”

Meeting with artists residing in Gyeonggi Province, Governor Dong Yeon Kim stated, "We will provide KRW 1.5 million a year in opportunity income for artists within the first half of this year."

The forum was organized for discussions on the direction of the "artist opportunity income" system, a major pledge made during the 2022 local elections, and more than 60 people attended including experts and artists. Regarding the purpose of opportunity income for artists, Governor Kim said, "I believe the common denominator of problems that the Republic of Korea now faces is a lack of opportunity," adding, "There are people who are not properly compensated in the market for activities that create social value... I regard opportunity income as a way to provide proper compensation to people in the market, and I thought of cultural artists first."

"What should not be overlooked is an opportunity for residents to enjoy culture. I hope the residents of the province will have easy access to culture and sports, and I hope many people will participate, enjoy, and feel rewarded," Governor Kim also stressed. During the open discussion, Professor Dong-yeon Lee of the Korea National University of Arts shared opinions on major issues of opportunity income for artists, including the definition and authentication of artists, as well as income standards and payments. Governor Kim, who heard opinions from various artists, said, "We will start with a median income of 120%, but it's not fixed; we will find a reasonable direction while pursuing this project. In practice, we plan to pay KRW 1.5 million a year.”

He added, "Let’s focus on starting the project first, then we will endeavor to develop it more while promoting it."

Choi Hyun-soo, a researcher at the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, said, "This policy cannot be said to be a simple income security system. I think it means recognizing the value of artists' activities that have not been recognized socially and expanding them to more local residents… In addition to opportunity income, creating opportunities similar to jobs that allow artists to deliver content to local residents is a way to raise social value." One senior artist said, "I think the right to enjoy art and culture lags for the disabled. In order for me to watch a performance while in my wheelchair, I have to watch it from the back. I hope you will work as hard as you can in Gyeonggi Province so that people with disabilities can have the right to enjoy culture.".

‘Artist opportunity income’ is a newly introduced policy stemming from the 2022 local elections. It reflects the reality that many artists who create social value through their activities are not properly compensated in the market and thus suffer from financial difficulties.

Precise details of eligibility and support amounts will be determined depending on circumstances through consultations on the establishment of related systems, and the provincial government plans to start payments as soon as consultations have been completed.