The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said on the 24th that it will begin inviting applications for the 2026 Regional Representative Arts Organizations Support Program.
The Regional Representative Arts Organizations Support Program is a program that supports newly established public organizations and existing private organizations in four basic performing arts fields—dance, theater, music, and tradition—targeting metropolitan and basic local governments nationwide, excluding Seoul. Organizations active in Seoul may also apply to be recruited to a region.
Applications for this call will be accepted on e-NaRaeDoom through Dec. 5. Local governments designate a local public performance venue, then establish a collaboration plan with the performing group and the venue and apply together. The presentation review will include participation by the local government, the performing group, and the venue.
Starting this year, new requirements to enhance public interest have been introduced, such as submitting a collaboration plan among the local government, performing group, and venue, and mandating paid performances. The minimum number of local performances has been raised to six, and paid performances have been made mandatory. Tickets are priced at a face value of at least 1,000 won per ticket, and the number of tickets sold and sales amounts will be disclosed on the Integrated Computerized System for Performing Arts. There is also a new limit on the number of complimentary invitation seats.
The total support amounts to 9 billion won in national funds, and about 20 organizations will be selected. Each organization will receive 200 million to 2 billion won per year (combined national and local funds). Depending on the fiscal self-reliance of the local government, the local funding burden rate will be applied differently at the 30%–60% level.
Five points each will be awarded to organizations selected in 2025 (excluding public entities), newly established public arts organizations in 2026, areas with declining populations, and organizations for creation/production based in the region.
Selected organizations will receive national funds through their local governments. The entity operating the performance venue will execute and settle the budget. Obligations related to execution, safety, and labor have also been strengthened, including enrollment in accident and industrial accident insurance, budgeting for audit fees, and using standard contracts.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) plans to provide continuous support for up to five years through phased evaluations. After reviewing the performance of the organizations selected in 2026, it will decide whether to continue support from 2027 onward.
Arts Policy Director Shin Eun-hyang said, "The 'Regional Representative Arts Organizations Support Program' is a project to increase opportunities for regional artists and expand local residents' enjoyment of the performing arts," adding, "We have revamped the call structure to enhance public interest and sustainability, and we will ensure that more artists and the public benefit."