The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (MCST) in collaboration with the Korea Disability Arts and Culture Center inaugurated the “Modu Art Space” on December 12 at 4 PM. The opening ceremony, attended by First Vice Minister Yong Ho Sung, artist Kang Seung Tak, and around 60 participants, marked a significant milestone in fostering inclusivity in the arts.

Modu Art Space aspires to be an open venue where individuals, regardless of ability, can connect and communicate through art. Following the establishment of the “Modu Theater” in October 2023, this visual arts exhibition space was created to advance the government’s mission of promoting cultural activities for artists with disabilities.

Located in Seoul Square, conveniently accessible via public transportation such as Seoul Station, Modu Art Space is designed to be a practical and highly functional hub for disabled artists. The 911-square-meter exhibition area and a 485-square-meter communication zone are expected to host diverse activities and exhibitions.

The exhibition hall offers curated displays designed to enhance accessibility for individuals with different types of disabilities. For exhibitions hosted by artists or organizations with disabilities, the venue provides tailored accessibility services. Meanwhile, the communication area supports artistic exchange and collaboration among disabled artists, with programs like the “Disability Artists Creation Academy” to be held on-site.

The inaugural exhibition, “Sensing Differences”, will run from December 12 to February 7, 2025. Featuring works by four disabled and two non-disabled artists, the exhibition reimagines disability not as a sensory deficit but as a heightened sensitivity and source of creativity. The showcase includes various mediums such as paintings, AI-powered media art, and interactive installations that invite visitor participation.

To further support the creative endeavors of disabled artists, Modu Art Space offers priority booking and discounted rental fees. It also facilitates cooperative projects between disabled and non-disabled individuals, discussions on disability arts, and professional art education programs. The communication area will play a key role in hosting these ongoing initiatives.

Vice Minister Yong expressed his hopes for the space, stating, “We envision Modu Art Space as a platform where artists with disabilities can freely express their creative worlds without barriers. We also aim for the public to experience the transformative power of art that transcends the boundaries of ability.” He reaffirmed the MCST’s commitment to expanding opportunities for disabled artists in the cultural sector.

Sayart / Nao Yim, yimnao@naver.com