Culture Masters Successfully Convenes 5th International Advisory & Directors' Board Meeting
Mar 11, 2025
Seoul, South Korea –
February 27, 2025 – The 5th
International Advisory & Directors' Board (IAB) Meeting of Culture Masters
was successfully held via Zoom, marking a historic milestone as the first
official session of the upgraded IAB after its formal transition into a
full-fledged international board. This meeting, attended by distinguished
cultural experts and directors from various countries, set the stage for
enhanced global collaboration and strategic planning in the preservation and
promotion of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).
Key Highlights of the 5th IAB Meeting :
I. Inauguration of Dr. Jayarajan Vakil as the New Chairperson
One of the most significant moments of the meeting was the appointment of Dr. Jayarajan Vakil as the second-term Chairperson of IAB. His leadership is expected to strengthen Culture Masters’ global outreach and governance. Dr. Vakil led the meeting efficiently, reinforcing the board’s commitment to advancing cultural sustainability through strategic programs.
II. Adoption of Key
Regulations and Resolutions
The IAB Secretariat,
represented by CEO Dr. Park Seongyong along with his staff Mr. Arnold
Byung-Seok Choi and Ms. Gunjan Joshi, presented and confirmed the adoption of
several critical regulatory revisions and resolutions:
Revision of the Arirang
Master Designation Program:
The designation will now
be awarded annually on July 27.
Application submission
deadline set for May 31.
Arirang Masters will be
invited to participate in WIN 2025-2028 events, further elevating their global
recognition.
Amendment of IAB Operational
Guidelines:
Official renaming of the
International Advisory Board to the International Advisory & Directors'
Board (IAB).
IAB members formally
recognized as Directors, reflecting their dual role in advisory and strategic
decision-making.
Introduction of
performance-based term renewals to ensure active engagement.
Implementation of a
performance-based compensation and rewarding system for IAB Directors, based on
concrete and transparent regulations confirmed by the CEO.
Streamlining of the
decision-making process to a simple majority (51%) approval.
Authority to appoint new
directors granted to the CEO in consultation with the Chairperson to enhance
global representation.
Formalization of mandatory
participation in key programs i.e., the Arirang Master Program, WIN 2025-2028
and other strategic projects.
Adoption of the Resolution
in Support of the World Intangible Heritage Festival & Contest (WIN)
2025-2028:
The resolution reaffirms
IAB’s full commitment to supporting Culture Masters as the primary organizer of
WIN.
Strengthened collaboration
with UNESCO World Heritage Cities & Creative Cities.
Implementation of
developing ICH digital solutions such as innovation through AI-powered
archiving, AR/VR experiences, and the e-ICH Market.
Establishment of a
high-profile organizing committee, including UNESCO, cultural ministries, and
key sponsors.
A separate press release
will be issued focusing on this significant resolution.
III. Mid-Term Strategy Discussion and Focus on Core Initiatives
Culture Masters’ CEO presented an in-depth Mid-Term Strategy Report (2025-2030), outlining the organization's key focus areas. A significant portion of the discussion revolved around prioritizing projects for immediate action. IAB members proposed on the importance of focusing first on the Arirang Master Designation Program and WIN 2025-2028, while acknowledging that all mid-term projects are interconnected.
Culture Masters’ CEO presented an in-depth Mid-Term Strategy Report (2025-2030)
Key Mid-Term Initiatives:
1. World Intangible Heritage
Festival & Contest (WIN 2025-2028): Establishing a premier global ICH event
with over 100 participating countries.
2. Expansion of the Arirang
Master Designation Program: Strengthening global recognition and engagement of
ICH practitioners.
3. ICH Digital Solutions:
Leveraging AI, AR/VR, and digital documentation to support cultural
sustainability.
4. Culture Masters' ICH
Certification System & e-ICH Market: Providing credibility and market
access for ICH-related products.
5. CM Global Academy: Expanding
leadership and cultural education programs.
6. Global Culture Masters
Branches: Strengthening partnerships and global presence.
7. In response to the IAB’s proposal, CEO Park Seong-Yong agreed to prioritize WIN and the Arirang Master Program in the short term, while ensuring that other mid-term projects progress in alignment with these core initiatives.
IV. Exchange of Institutional Information and Upcoming Events
A productive session was dedicated to information-sharing among IAB members about their respective institutions and upcoming events. Key announcements included:
The 10th General Assembly
of ICCN to be held in Gangneung, South Korea from May 28-31, 2025.
Updates on global cultural
heritage projects and potential collaboration opportunities.
The Heritage journal is organizing a webinar on April 7th, focusing on the
theme of armed conflicts and Intangible Cultural Heritage. Mr. Falk mentioned
that this issue is critical and needs to be discussed. The event will involve
NGOs from around the world, particularly those currently facing challenging
situations.
V. Next IAB Meeting and Closing Remarks
Caption: Dr.
Jayarajan Vakil delivering the closing remarks
Announcement of the Next IAB meeting
The Secretariat announced
that the next IAB meeting will be scheduled later in the year, with further
details to be provided. In his closing remarks, Dr. Jayarajan Vakil emphasized
the importance of sustained global cooperation and encouraged all Directors to
actively contribute to the execution of the adopted resolutions and strategic
initiatives.
With a renewed vision and
enhanced governance, Culture Masters and its International Advisory &
Directors' Board are poised to make a lasting impact on the preservation and
global promotion of Intangible Cultural Heritage.