National Assembly Passes Amendment to Expand Benefits for Patrons of Culture and the Arts

Support for Professionals Connecting Patrons and the Arts Sector

Assemblyman Jaewon Kim of the Party for National Innovation. Courtesy of Assemblyman Jaewon Kim's Office

Legal grounds have been established to enable the national and local governments to provide benefits to patrons of culture and the arts, as well as to nurture professionals who act as a bridge between private sponsorship and the arts field.

According to Kim Jae-won, member of the National Assembly for the Party for Justice and Innovation, on July 24, the “Partial Amendment to the Act on Activation of Sponsorship for Culture and the Arts” passed the National Assembly plenary session the previous day. The bill was sponsored by Assemblyman Kim and ten other lawmakers in May 2025.

The amendment stipulates that the national and local governments must establish relevant systems and conditions to ensure that tangible benefits are delivered to patrons of culture and the arts.

It also introduces a new provision for the fostering and support of “intermediary personnel for sponsorship in culture and the arts,” whose role is to connect sponsors with artists and arts organizations. These intermediary professionals are responsible for identifying patrons and facilitating connections with projects at the arts scene. There had been a certification system for intermediary organizations, but there was criticism that the legal basis for systematically cultivating and supporting related personnel was insufficient.

The scope of organizations eligible for the “Excellence in Sponsorship for Culture and the Arts” certification will also be broadened. The current law allows organizations, including corporations exemplary in supporting culture and the arts as specified by Presidential Decree, to be certified as excellent organizations. The amendment expands eligibility to include private public interest foundations, such as public interest corporations established by enterprises.

The current Act on Sponsorship for Culture and the Arts provides systems for rewarding patrons, tax reductions, and certification of excellence in sponsorship. It also enables the national and local governments to implement related policies and provide financial support.

Assemblyman Kim stated, “Although K-culture is seeing success globally, its foundation—the basic culture and arts scene—still relies on a precarious financial structure,” adding, “We must build an ecosystem for culture and the arts in which voluntary private sponsorship supplements direct government support.”

He continued, “I hope this amendment encourages increased participation from patrons and brings practical help to creators on the ground. I will continue to provide legislative support to strengthen the sustainability of the arts and culture sector.”

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