2nd IAB Meeting Report
Nov 06, 2023
The second meeting of the International Advisory Board (IAB) of Culture Masters Inc.
was successfully convened online on October 27, 2023. Culture Masters
(www.culturemasters.org) is a distinguished non-governmental organization in the
Republic of Korea, committed to the advancement of innovative cultural solutions,
sustainable cultural development, and the cultivation of the next generation of
cultural leaders. The International Advisory Board comprises eminent experts in the
field of cultural heritage from various countries, including Australia, Bulgaria,
Canada, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Republic of Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Norway,
Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. The meeting was moderated by Distinguished
Chairperson Alisher Ikramov, representing the International Institute for Central
Asian Studies. Dr. Seong-Yong Park, CEO of Culture Masters Inc., expressed his
gratitude to the advisors who provided support and presented a concise overview of
the challenges and tasks while preparing for the World Ethnic Performing Arts
Festival (WEPAF), which has been postponed and is now scheduled for 2024-2025
in Incheon.
The members of the advisory committee voiced a wide range of opinions concerning
the implementation of upcoming projects. These discussions encompassed topics
such as ensuring the festival alignment with the UN Sustainable Development
Goals and eco-friendly policies, promoting collaboration with other festivals, and
creating a program to invite Gugak Masters in order to alleviate financial pressures.
During the meeting, one of the pivotal agenda items involved the review of six
candidates vying for the prestigious Gugak Master title. These candidates were
nominated by Ms. Sruti Respati from Indonesia, Mr. Abdulhamit Raimbergenov from
Kazakhstan, Ms. Mohichehra Shamurotova and Mr. Bakhshiqul Togaev from
Uzbekistan, and Ms. Phan Thi Bach Hac and Mr. Huynh Duc Tien from Vietnam. The
Gugak Masters Designation project aspires to elevate the status of artists, artisans,
and cultural communities who have made remarkable contributions to traditional
music and craftsmanship at national and/or international levels. The selection criteria
emphasize excellence in skill and mastery, creativity and innovation, and a
dedication to education and mentorship. The selected Gugak Masters will cooperate with
Culture Masters for the promotion and innovative development of living heritage in the global
village.
These nominations were subjected to thorough examination and open discussions
by the IAB, culminating in unanimous approval for all candidates to be designated as
Gugak Masters. It is worth noting that during the first meeting of the IAB, two
candidates from the Republic of Korea, Mr. Jeon Je Seon and Ms. Song Ji Hyun,
were also unanimously selected as Gugak Masters, underlining the global reach and
significance of the Gugak tradition.
Furthermore, the IAB members were apprised of the outcomes of the 3rd Meeting of
the Coordinating Bureau of the Silk Roads Living Heritage Network, held in
Shymkent, Kazakhstan from October 23-24, 2023, as well as the anticipated results
of the 9th General Assembly of the Inter-City Intangible Cultural Cooperation
Network, scheduled for November 10-14, 2023, in Kozhikode, Kerala, India.
The next assembly of the International Advisory Board is scheduled for
February 27, 2024, as the organization continues its unwavering
commitment to champion and celebrate the rich living heritage found
across the globe.