Woohyun Shim, lava, ketchup, 2009, Oil on canvas, 122x152.5cm ©Woohyun Shim

Painters Ryu Noah (29), Woohyun Shim (26), and Ahn Doojin (38) have been selected for Chongkundang Yesuljisang 2013. Jointly organized by Chongkundang, the Korea Mecenat Association, and the alternative art space Art Space Huga, this project was launched last year as a second-stage support program designed to help emerging artists with recognized potential continue their artistic growth.

Although numerous emerging artists are produced each year through government bodies, local authorities, and non-profit alternative spaces, the project was conceived in response to the lack of programs that provide sustained, long-term support. Eligibility is limited to painters under the age of 45 who have participated in national or public residency programs or have received support from non-profit artist studios. Through two rounds of evaluation, selected artists are awarded production grants and opportunities to present exhibitions.

This year, a total of 101 artists were reviewed. The jury included Ha Gye-hoon, professor at Dankook University; Kim Jong-gil, curator at Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art; Yoo Jin-sang, professor at Kaywon University of Art & Design; Yoon Jin-seop, professor at Honam University; Gong Sung-hoon, professor at Sungkyunkwan University; and Kim No-am, artistic director of Culture Station Seoul 284.

The scope of support has also expanded from last year, when each artist received a production grant of 10 million KRW. Under the new structure, selected artists will receive a total of 30 million KRW over three years, along with opportunities to hold exhibitions. A curated three-person exhibition presenting a comprehensive overview of the artists’ achievements over the three-year period will be held in the final year of support, 2015.

Beginning this year, additional funding will also be provided for exhibition production costs and catalogue publication.

The Chongkundang Yesuljisang organizers stated, “While support has so far been limited to painting, we plan to diversify the supported genres in the future to include sculpture, photography, installation art, and more.”

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