ARKO’s Green Art Grants and Sustainable Creativity

In 2022, Arts Council Korea (ARKO) introduced new grants aimed specifically at projects integrating ecological themes, sustainable materials, and low-waste practices. This marked a turning point for how public cultural funding in Korea addressed environmental responsibility.

The grants encouraged artists to innovate with biodegradable materials, energy-efficient installations, and themes that reflected the urgency of climate change. Beyond artistic production, the funding supported education and outreach, ensuring that sustainability entered the broader cultural discourse.

The move aligned Korea with global ESG trends, positioning its art sector as forward-thinking and socially responsible. For artists, it provided both recognition and resources to tackle ecological themes. For policymakers, it demonstrated that cultural funding could serve as a lever for environmental awareness.

The Green Art Grants showcased how Korea could align cultural policy with sustainability, reinforcing its position as a leader in progressive cultural investment.