The government has decided to cover 50% of project costs for local governments in non-capital regions that build new museums and performing arts centers, according to reports on the 15th. To that end, the Ministry of Economy and Finance gave advance notice the same day of a partial revision to the Enforcement Decree of the Act on the Management of subsidies. The aim is to bolster cultural infrastructure in each region and raise residents' access to culture.
The core of the revision is to include hub cultural facilities as eligible for subsidies. Hub cultural facilities are spaces that intensively provide various functions such as culture, arts, and education within a particular region. Performance facilities, exhibition facilities, library facilities, local cultural activity facilities, and cultural dissemination and transmission facilities fall under this category.
The revision stipulates that the national government may subsidize 50% of project costs for new construction of hub cultural facilities and 60% for remodeling. However, subsidies are provided only for projects carried out under plans established by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism. subsidies are not provided for land acquisition costs.
The Lee Jae-myung administration has said in its state agenda that it will "raise the culture and arts attendance rate from 57.7% in 2025 to 70% in 2030 and support areas with poor cultural environments." The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) is preparing a "mid- to long-term plan to expand hub cultural facilities."
A government official said, "There have been steady criticisms that there is a shortage of cultural facilities in the provinces," and added, "As hub cultural facilities increase, local residents will be able to enjoy high-quality performances and exhibitions without having to travel to the capital area."