MCT Invites Performing Arts Companies and Venues to Join the “Regional Distribution Support Project for Performing Arts Content”

New 14-Billion-Won Project Launched
Applications Accepted Until March 30

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on the 9th that, together with the Korea Arts Management Service, it is inviting applications from performing arts companies and performance venues (outside the Seoul metropolitan area) to participate in the "2026 Regional Distribution Support Project for Flagship Performing Arts Content" until March 30.

Through its 2026 work report, the ministry stated that it will focus on promoting the project titled "This Is Coming to Our Neighborhood Too!" which supports regional tours of popular performances and exhibitions from the Seoul metropolitan area, in order to bridge cultural gaps between regions. The Regional Distribution Support Project for Flagship Performing Arts Content is a new initiative launched this year as part of this policy. A total budget of 14 billion won will be invested to distribute performances with marketability, popularity, and competitiveness to public performance venues located in regions other than the Seoul metropolitan area (Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon). By doing so, the ministry plans to expand basic performing arts appreciation opportunities for residents outside the metropolitan area and to revitalize regional performing arts markets by utilizing existing infrastructure such as local cultural and arts centers.

The support covers five genres: dance (Western and Korean), musicals, plays, Western music (classical), and Korean music (Gugak). Based on the Korea Performing Arts Box Office Information System (KOPIS), works that ranked high in ticket sales between 2024 and 2025 will be prioritized so that performances that gained popularity in the metropolitan area can also be enjoyed in regional areas. However, performances by national arts organizations and national institutions, overseas tours to Korea, and works selected for the "2026 Regional Distribution Support Project for Performing Arts" are excluded from eligibility.

Eligible performance venues are indoor public theaters with at least 800 seats located outside the Seoul metropolitan area. After coordinating and finalizing performance schedules and budgets in consultation with performing arts companies, these venues may apply for support. The maximum support per venue is 300 million won, and each venue may host up to three productions.

The selection of performing arts companies, works, and performance venues will be carried out through the online performing arts platform "Performing Arts Distribution Partner (P:art:ner)." Companies and venues that meet the requirements participate in the project, exchange information, and connect autonomously, and final selections are made based on these results. Detailed information, including the project announcement and the list of eligible works, can be found on the Korea Arts Management Service website.

Lee Yongshin, Director-General for Arts Policy at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said, "The Regional Distribution Support Project for Flagship Performing Arts Content is a new initiative launched this year to improve the Seoul metropolitan area-centered distribution structure of performances," adding, "By enabling audiences to see flagship productions they have previously only known by reputation at nearby local theaters, we will help narrow regional gaps in cultural enjoyment and further advance our performance distribution policies."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.