Celebrating the Present and Shaping the Future
Canada and South Korea continue to build on more than 60 years of strong diplomatic ties—fostering a relationship rooted in friendship, collaboration and growing cultural trade. Since 2022, the Canada Council has been actively strengthening creative connections between the two countries. Through new partnerships, knowledge sharing and artistic collaborations, the Council is advancing its priorities around economic prosperity, sustainability, resilience and equity in the arts sector, while opening doors for future international opportunities.
Canada–Korea Year of Cultural Exchanges
Launched as a joint initiative between Canada and the Republic of Korea, the Canada–Korea Year of Cultural Exchanges celebrates the rich cultural diversity of both nations. The Year invites communities to explore and appreciate the unique cultural heritages, artistic accomplishments and current creative opportunities of Canada and Korea. More importantly, it lays the foundation for long-term collaboration by fostering meaningful connections and sustainable relationships between artists, creators and cultural organizations.
The Canada Council plays a pivotal role in this initiative. Leveraging funding from Canadian Heritage (PCH), the Council is supporting a series of projects designed to strengthen cultural ties across creative practices and genres, particularly in the performing arts, film and disability arts sectors. Key collaborators include PCH, the Canadian Embassy in Seoul, the Canadian Association for the Performing Arts (CAPACOA), the National Arts Centre (NAC), Telefilm Canada and the National accessArts Centre.
Canada in Korea Spotlight projects
In partnership with the Canadian Embassy in Seoul, these projects are designed to elevate Canada’s presence at major Korean cultural events. Highlights from 2024 include Canadian participation at the WOW Book Festival, Bucheon International Animation Film Festival and the Gwangju Biennale. Looking ahead in 2025, artists and creators from Canada will be featured at events like the Jeonju International Film Festival, the Jarasum Jazz Festival and the Korean International Accessible Dance Festival.
Arts Sector Connections
These projects invest in connecting key players in Canadian and Korean arts sectors. In collaboration with CAPACOA, the Canada Council is supporting a cohort project connecting Canadian and Korean presenters and artists, as well as two delegations to the Performing Arts Market in Seoul (PAMS). In addition, Canada will be featured as the focus country at a key Asian market event, in collaboration with Telefilm Canada (details to be announced soon).
Advancing Disability Arts
The Council is also partnering with the National accessArts Centre and the Canadian Embassy in Seoul to support projects that encourage visibility, connection and exchange for artists with disabilities and organizations working in disability artsIn coordination with the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE) and the Korean Disability Arts and Culture Centre, these projects offer opportunities for dance and visual artists to collaborate, present their work and engage in knowledge sharing.
A Flagship Celebration
One of the highlights of the Canada–Korea Year of Cultural Exchanges will be a special reception in Seoul celebrating the NAC Orchestra’s First Tour to Korea. This flagship event is presented in partnership with the National Arts Centre and the Canadian Embassy in Seoul.
The 10th World Summit on Arts and Culture in Seoul
As an active member of the International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies (IFACCA), the Canada Council will participate in the 10th World Summit on Arts and Culture, co-hosted by IFACCA and Arts Council Korea (ARKO) in May 2025 in Seoul.
Creative Industries Trade Mission to Korea
Under the Creative Export Strategy, the Department of Canadian Heritage, in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada (GAC) Trade Commissioner Service, will lead its sixth in-person creative industries trade mission to South Korea (June 1 to 6, 2025) and Japan (June 8 to 12, 2025). The mission follows a successful partnership with GAC on the Team Canada Trade Mission to South Korea in April 2024, as well as the Team Canada Trade Mission to Japan in October and November 2023.
Canada–Korea Funds (2022–2024)
The Council’s involvement in the Year of Cultural Exchanges builds on two years of parallel funding delivered in partnership with ARKO. Supported by Global Affairs Canada and Canadian Heritage, these one-time funds enabled 46 projects, boosting ties between Canadian and Korean creatives, many of which are expected to yield presentations in the year to come.
Stay Connected
For more information about Canadian activities in and with Korea, search #CanadaKorea or follow the Canadian Embassy in Korea, the Korean Cultural Center or one of our many partners on social media:
: Embassy of Canada to Korea | Korean Cultural Centre Canada
: Canada in Korea (@CanEmbKorea) / X
: Embassy of Canada to Korea (@canadakorea) | Korean Cultural Centre Canada (@kcccanada)
For more information
international.coordination@canadacouncil.ca
613-566-4414, extension 0
1-800-263-5588 (toll-free)
In collaboration with
