Attend the World Summit on Arts and Culture in South Korea

Hi friends, later this month I am travelling to South Korea to attend the World Summit on Arts and Culture. This event, held every three years, brings together arts and cultural workers to discuss different models for how culture is supported around the globe - and particularly how it can be used to support the sustainable development goals outlined by the UN for 2030.

Attending this event is pivotal for my journey into becoming a cultural leader, which I have been studying via a Masters degree at the National Institute of Dramatic Arts in Sydney.

I will gain valuable insight into how cultural sectors function around the world, and then will be able to use this knowledge persuasively in my arts advocacy here in Australia.

I will also use the trip to deepen my knowledge about practices of community engagement - recently I have been doing this in Coburg, Melbourne (where I live) by organising community education forums, serving as Vice President of the Coburg High School council and joining the board of Circus Nexus, a not-for-profit community arts organisation. These are all voluntary activities, and I believe that strong community engagement by artists is the best path to finding broader support for the arts.

On a different note, I also think it is essential that these types of events include the perspectives of independent artists actually working at the grassroots of the sector - I have spent my career moving between realms, from fringe festival street shows, to major arts festivals. I have a valuable perspective that I can contribute to these discussions, with your help.

Travelling to South Korea is a personal expense and investment. I had applied for Creative Australia funding but was not successful this time. I’ve started this fundraiser at the encouragement of one of my mentors to ask for help in covering the following costs

My budget for these things is approximately $5000, and anything you can contribute will be greatly appreciated!

After I have been in South Korea, I will also be travelling to Osaka, Japan to attend the World Expo, but as that is mostly out of curiosity and for professional development, that is a seperate budget not covered by this fundraising.

Following my participation at the conference I will be writing a research report to share my experience with my wider community via my substack. As a donor, not only will you get first access to this resource, but I will include the names of my benefactors in this report to acknowledge your support!

Thank you kindly for any funds you can spare,

Mitch