(C) Mindtrip

DONGHAE, Gangwon State – The coastal city of Donghae is officially inviting artists to breathe new life into its historic hills. The city government announced on the 23rd that it is simultaneously recruiting participants for two major cultural initiatives: the "One-Month Living in Donghae" program and the "Donghae Art Gallery Resident Artist" program in the Mukho Sensitive Village (Mukho Gamseong Maeul).

These projects are designed to transform the Mukho district—already a popular destination for "slow travel"—into a permanent hub for cultural exchange and creative tourism.

Living Like a Local, Creating Like an Artist
The "One-Month Living in Donghae" program is a stay-based tourism model that utilizes vacant houses within the Mukho Sensitive Village. It offers artists a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the local lifestyle for 30 days while exploring the region’s rich cultural assets.

In exchange for their stay, participating artists are expected to contribute back to the community through talent donations and promotional activities targeting both residents and tourists.

Program Details at a Glance:

Capacity: 6 artists in total.
Accommodations: Participants will be selected for different housing types, including traditional detached houses and modern apartments.
Timeline: Three distinct sessions will run from March to June.
Requirements: Applicants must hold a valid Artist Pass and be willing to provide free talent-based services (workshops, performances, etc.) during their stay.

Establishing a Creative Anchor: The Donghae Art Gallery
While the one-month program focuses on immersion, the "Donghae Art Gallery" residency seeks to provide a long-term creative foundation. Located within the Nongol Cultural Center, this project provides a dedicated studio and exhibition space for artists to focus on their craft.

The goal is to create an "Open Cultural Space" where the public can walk in, observe the creative process, and view finished works at any time.

Residency Period: April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027 (One-year term).
Capacity: 1 artist or 1 artistic team.
Incentives: Stable studio space and formal exhibition opportunities.

A Vision for Cultural "Life-Tourism"
The Mukho district, famous for its winding "Nongoldam-gil" murals and panoramic ocean views, has recently become a "hot spot" for younger generations seeking authenticity and peace. By bringing professional artists into this landscape, Donghae City aims to move beyond simple sightseeing.

Kim Sun-ok, Head of the Cultural Arts Department in Donghae, emphasized the symbiotic nature of the project. "This initiative is a lifestyle tourism model where artists stay, create, exhibit, and interact within the village," Kim stated. "We hope talented artists will join us in making Mukho a place where creative energy meets the everyday lives of our citizens."

How to Apply
Both programs are accepting applications until February 27. Given the rising popularity of Mukho as a "healing" destination, competition is expected to be high among artists looking for inspiration by the East Sea.

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