“Echoes of Cultures: Building Bridges in Jeju” marks the commencement of the long-term initiative “MeaRi” project (a pure Korean term meaning “Echoes”), which aims to develop a sustainable intercultural platform through collaboration between local and international artists in Jeju Island, South Korea.
Jeju Island, the largest and southernmost island with a population of 69’000 in South Korea, has a distinctive landscape due to its moderate climate and past volcanic explosions, making it a global tourist attraction. However, beneath the surface of tourism lies hidden cultural heritage that has yet to receive significant attention. The government's tourism-oriented policies have raised concerns such as environmental degradation, speculative investment, and inflation. Additionally, the influx of capital and population has led to conflicts between the local community, tourists and immigrants, presenting challenges.
This project aims to go beyond the constraints of Jeju and create opportunities for diverse cultural exchanges through art, providing a venue for broader global interactions. This initiative is designed to enable Jeju residents to enjoy and appreciate art and culture, while also offering high-quality educational opportunities through workshops with local residents. The events and workshops will take place in unusual venues, such as greenhouse, cemetery, cafes and Restaurants.