Dongjak-gu, led by District Mayor Ryu Sam-young, is recruiting participants for the Dongjak-gu Youth Creative Culture Festival, to be held Sept. 19 in celebration of Youth Day.
Marking its inaugural edition, the 1st Youth Creative Culture Festival will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, at and around the Dongjak-gu Office (70 Jangseungbaegi-ro). The event is a cultural festival in which local youth take center stage, presenting performances, exhibitions, market stalls and hands-on experience programs.
Ahead of the festival, the district is recruiting about 40 teams across four categories: performance, exhibition, market and experience.
Applicants must be between the ages of 19 and 39 (born between 1986 and 2007) and must either reside in Dongjak-gu or be active in the district as artists, entrepreneurs or creators.
The performance category will select up to about five artist teams capable of staging live performances across any genre — from pop music and indie bands to traditional Korean music and magic. The exhibition category will recruit up to about 10 young artists who can display works in a designated space, covering painting, sculpture, photography, illustration, media art and crafts.
The market category will select up to about 15 art market sellers offering handmade crafts, illustrated goods or original design products. The experience category will choose up to about 10 youth teams to run hands-on programs or one-day classes in which festivalgoers can participate on the spot.
To help participants operate smoothly, the district will provide category-specific facility support. Performance teams will receive a stage system including sound and lighting equipment as well as a waiting area. Exhibition teams will be provided with basic booths or structures such as easels and milk-crate displays. Market and experience teams will receive booths, tables, chairs and banners.
All participants will receive a support grant of up to 300,000 won ($211). Market-category participants are excluded from the grant, however, as they retain all proceeds from their sales.
Youth wishing to apply must check the public notice posted on the Dongjak-gu Office website and submit the required documents to the designated email address by 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14. Required documents include a participation application form, proof of residence or activity in Dongjak-gu, a personal information consent form and a portfolio.
Selections will be made through a comprehensive review covering alignment with the festival's theme, public appeal and communicability, originality and feasibility, and distinctiveness and competitiveness. Results will be announced individually on Thursday, Aug. 20.
For further inquiries, applicants may contact the Dongjak-gu Office's Youth and Adolescent Division.
"Young people's ideas and talents are the driving force that makes a city more vibrant," District Mayor Ryu said. "I hope this festival becomes a stage where youth can freely showcase their work, connect directly with residents and create new opportunities."
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