Starting this year, the Korean government will provide financial assistance similar to unemployment benefits to artists who suffer from a low income. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korean Artists Welfare Foundation announced the joint welfare project for artists on January 22. Under the announced plan, artists with little income will be able to receive as much as KRW 1 million per month for eight months, based on their age and years of experience.
This project targets artists who currently receive an income that is below the minimum cost of living. The amount received and the time period in question can vary, depending on individual circumstances. Eligible applicants include those who have been engaging in artistic activities for more than ten years and whose primary residence is worth less than KRW 135 million if they live in a big city, 85 million in a small- or medium-sized city and 72.5 million in an officially designated rural area. Once selected, they will receive a monthly benefit as high as KRW 1 million for a period of three to eight months.
The ministry will also extend the provision of education vouchers to artists and will give more money to support organizations or associations which run educational programs for artists. The ministry will expand the number of artists who receive education vouchers, from 260 to 300, and provide support of up to KRW 1 million per month.
Under the ministry’s plan, a total of 350 artists will get jobs, as the government will connect the artists with firms or regions that are interested in art projects. If an artist signs up for occupational health and safety insurance, the government will provide half the cost, from KRW 4,370 up to 6,870 per month. The government will support half of the individual’s national pension contribution and their employment insurance if an artist signs a standard contract with a movie, a broadcaster or a performing arts company.
The ministry and the foundation will also run various welfare projects, such as a creativity safety network for artists, and establish an online petition system for artists in order to provide medical support.
By Yoon Sojung
Korea.net Staff Writer
arete@korea.kr
This project targets artists who currently receive an income that is below the minimum cost of living. The amount received and the time period in question can vary, depending on individual circumstances. Eligible applicants include those who have been engaging in artistic activities for more than ten years and whose primary residence is worth less than KRW 135 million if they live in a big city, 85 million in a small- or medium-sized city and 72.5 million in an officially designated rural area. Once selected, they will receive a monthly benefit as high as KRW 1 million for a period of three to eight months.
From 2014, the Korean government will provide financial assistance to artists who suffer from a low income. The above photo shows "The Left Hand" by Kkokdugwangdae. (Photo courtesy of the Korean Traditional Performing Arts Foundation)
The ministry will also extend the provision of education vouchers to artists and will give more money to support organizations or associations which run educational programs for artists. The ministry will expand the number of artists who receive education vouchers, from 260 to 300, and provide support of up to KRW 1 million per month.
Under the ministry’s plan, a total of 350 artists will get jobs, as the government will connect the artists with firms or regions that are interested in art projects. If an artist signs up for occupational health and safety insurance, the government will provide half the cost, from KRW 4,370 up to 6,870 per month. The government will support half of the individual’s national pension contribution and their employment insurance if an artist signs a standard contract with a movie, a broadcaster or a performing arts company.
The ministry and the foundation will also run various welfare projects, such as a creativity safety network for artists, and establish an online petition system for artists in order to provide medical support.
By Yoon Sojung
Korea.net Staff Writer
arete@korea.kr
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