The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) High-Level Dialogue on Cultural and Creative Industries from Aug. 26-28 in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, will discuss cooperation in cultural and creative industries in the digital and artificial intelligence era. Shown is the project exhibition "Lab Coming Day" featuring the convergence of art and technology at the Arts Korea Lab Festival in November 2024 in Seoul's Jongno-gu District. (Arts Korea Lab's official Instagram)

By Kim Hyelin

Culture ministers from Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member states late this month will hold the inaugural APEC dialogue on cooperation in the cultural and creative industries (CCI).

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on Aug. 7 announced its hosting of the APEC High-Level Dialogue on Cultural and Creative Industries from Aug. 26-28 in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province.

The event is a preliminary high-level consultation on culturally expanding the theme "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper" of the APEC Summit slated for October in Gyeongju.

Held under the theme "CCI (Cultural and Creative Industries): New Horizons for Prosperity" at the hotel Hilton Gyeongju, the dialogue is expected to attract about 150 people including culture ministers from 21 APEC member states, official APEC observers, artists and scholars.

The event's three sections will align with the theme of this year's APEC Summit.

The first is "New Horizons of APEC Economic Cooperation: CCIs," which will discuss how the cultural industry can play the role of a new catalyst for regional cooperation.

Next is "Changes in CCIs Driven by Digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Innovation," an exploration of the changes and potential of CCIs brought on by digital transition and AI. Participants will share examples of AI-based film production, content automation and use of generative technology from around the world.

The final part, "Harmonious Development of the APEC Community via Cultural Cooperation," will discuss the role and future direction of cultural cooperation for a harmonious and sustainable APEC community.

Presentations of AI applications in sectors such as cinema, music and gaming are expected to serve as practical references for the future policies and strategies of APEC member states to develop the cultural industry.

"This high-level dialogue is the starting point to expand CCI exchanges and cooperation within the APEC region," said Kim Hyun Jun, director-general of the ministry's International Cultural Affairs Bureau. "We hope this marks an opportunity for Korea to make a major leap as a nation leading the future of creative industries combining culture and technology."

Official poster for APEC 2025 High-Level Dialogue on Cultural and Creative Industries (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism)