YU In Chon, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST), and Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the National Arts Centre in Canada, officially launching the Year of Cultural Exchanges 2024–2025 on June 25 (local time).

This MOU symbolizes the shared commitment of both nations to enhance cooperation in various fields, including culture and art, cultural heritage, creative industries, and sports, as part of the Korea-Canada Year of Cultural Exchanges 2024–2025. This initiative, designated during the September 2022 summit between the two countries, aims to foster exchanges among citizens and strengthen ties, thus establishing a solid foundation for bilateral cultural relations.

Year of Cultural Exchanges begins with the collaborative performance “Connection” by artists from both countries

Following the MOU signing, the opening ceremony of the 2024–2025 Year of Cultural Exchanges and the performance of “Connection” took place at the National Arts Centre in Canada. This event aimed to promote cultural understanding and diverse cultural exchanges between the two nations. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from both countries, including Minister YU In Chon and Minister Pascale St-Onge, as well as notable representatives, such as Speaker of the Canadian House of Commons Greg Fergus, Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, and Korean-Canadian Senator Yonah Martin.

The ceremony, attended by over 2,000 people, featured beautiful melodies celebrating the friendship between Korea and Canada, performed by musicians from both nations. The National Orchestra of Korea and pansori singer JANG Seo Yoon represented Korea, while Canadian violinist Timothy Chooi, the second prize winner of the 2019 Queen Elisabeth Competition, and soprano Carole-Anne Roussel represented Canada.

Expand opportunities for cultural exchanges through support for future generations and the private sector, and build sustainable partnerships for cultural cooperation

Following this opening ceremony, Korea and Canada will embark on a series of distinguished projects in both countries. These include a special exhibition of animated films (September and October), the joint creation and production of Korean-Canadian music (September and October), support for young artists in gaining international exposure (November), literary and publishing exchanges (November), and virtual reality (VR) film exhibitions (October to February 25).

A highlight of these initiatives is the Korea-Canada Animation Special Exhibition, to be held in September and October, hosted by the Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF) and the Bucheon International Animation Festival (BIAF). The BIAF will feature a selection of Canadian films, including “Window Horses,” directed by Ann Marie Fleming and voiced by Korean-Canadian actress Sandra Oh.

Moreover, young artists in music, dance, and multidisciplinary arts (such as circus) will receive mentoring and support for the Canadian International Performing Arts Market (CINARS), to facilitate  young people entering into the North American market and promote various aspects of Korean culture, establishing a sustainable K-culture ecosystem. Furthermore, the MCST will grant exceptional cultural exchange projects by private artists and organizations the right to use the official logo of the Year of Cultural Exchanges. This support will promote these projects as officially certified, fostering cultural exchange at the private level.

Minister YU In Chon stated, “For the past six decades, Canada and Korea two nations have maintained close cooperation across diverse areas, including politics and economics. I envision the next two years of the Year of Mutual Cultural Exchanges as an opportunity to explore and embrace the new cultural diversity between our two countries.”