Daejeon Arts Center welcomes Kim Deok-Kyu as its new president
Photo Courtesy of Daejeon Arts Center
President Kim earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the College of Music at Mokwon University. After serving as a visiting professor at the University of Southern California in the United States, she began her career as a conductor. President Kim has had several notable conducting roles, including guest conductor for Capella of St. Petersburg in Russia. In 1995, she returned to Daejeon to join the faculty of Joongbu University’s School of Art, where she also served as the dean. President Kim is a musical expert who has made significant contributions to Daejeon’s local art scene through her roles as the artistic director and chief conductor of the Daejeon Civic Youth Choir.
During her inauguration ceremony in April, President Kim presented three future directions for the development and operation of DJAC. She began by explaining her ultimate vision of contributing to Daejeon’s evolution into an ‘Artience’ (Art+Science) city, which involves DJAC becoming a central hub for content development befitting a city of advanced science and technology.
“Regardless of what anyone says, Daejeon is a city of science. Our top priority will be the development of content with future value that fits the characteristics of an advanced science and technology city. We will work closely with national research institutes in Daedeok Innopolis and sign MOU agreements to establish artience labs and organise artience camps and festivals. Through these initiatives, we aim to give scientists more opportunities to become immersed in creative inspiration. In the near future, we will witness deeper integration between performing arts and technological developments of the 4th Industrial Revolution, giving birth to new paradigms in performing arts like futuristic theatres for robot performances, holograms, and 3D art.”
Additionally, to mark the 20th anniversary of DJAC, President Kim announced that DJAC will be establishing long-term plans for the next 20 years.
Photo Courtesy of Daejeon Arts Center
Photo Courtesy of Daejeon Arts Center
Furthermore, in order to be more responsive to global issues, President Kim stated that she will strive to boost DJAC’s global competitiveness by inviting even more world-class performance groups through the expansion of DJAC’s global network. To this end, President Kim emphasised the importance of maintaining DJAC’s close cooperative ties with the Association of Asia Pacific Performing Arts Centres (AAPPAC), of which DJAC is already a member.
President Kim also promised to take the lead in revitalising the local performing arts scene by working closely with local artists and providing them with support.
“DJAC will spearhead the revitalisation of festivals for local artists. In particular, we will search for young artists and performing arts groups to develop into future talent,” said President Kim.
“I promise that I will do my utmost to provide Daejeon citizens with opportunities to enjoy culture and arts,” said President Kim. “DJAC, which is located near Daedeok Innopolis, the Daejeon Museum of Art, and Hanbat Arboretum, will do its best to become a theater that is loved by Daejeon citizens and all Koreans.”
As a capable leader with considerable experience in the arts field and excellent communication skills, President Kim is eager to play an important role as DJAC takes its next leap forward and continues to develop the local culture and arts scene.