Seoul Connect Stage 2026 Opens to Support Emerging Young Artists
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture will open the '2026 Seoul Connect Stage' on Jan. 26 at the Seoul Theater Creation Center, running through Feb. 13. The program gives graduating university students majoring in theater, dance, and traditional (gugak) arts a first professional performance opportunity outside school. From nationwide applications, 27 teams (169 participants) were selected to present works. Each selected artist may receive up to 500만원 (500,000 won) in performance fees, rehearsal and performance space, integrated promotion, networking, and reviews from arts professionals and citizen audiences. The foundation will also invite industry figures to help connect emerging artists with mentors and career opportunities. Seoul Foundation CEO Song Hyung-jong described the project as an “eum” (bridge) to help students transition smoothly from university to the arts field amid low retention of arts graduates in professional creative roles.
