Discussion of ESG at Leeum, from reusing exhibition materials to preserving cultural heritage

[Financial News] A forum will be held to examine the environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives of art museums and other museums that reuse exhibition materials and preserve cultural heritage.
According to Samsung Foundation of Culture on the 7th, the 2026 ESG Exchange Program for Arts and Cultural Institutions will take place at 2 p.m. on the 15th in the auditorium of Leeum Museum of Art. Practitioners from national, public and private institutions, as well as members of the general public, will take part.
Now in its third iteration, the event began in 2023. Its theme is “Solidarity Through Art, a Sustainable Future.” Topics include reusing exhibition resources, ecological education, respect for cultural diversity and preserving Korean cultural heritage abroad.
The International Council of Museums (ICOM) included promoting diversity and sustainability in its revised definition of a museum in 2022. Reusing exhibition resources and providing education on cultural diversity can be seen as concrete ways to apply these values to the operation of art museums and other museums.
The keynote address will be delivered by Kang Seung-wan, former director of the Busan Museum of Contemporary Art. Drawing on his experience running an art museum, he will discuss directions for ESG initiatives at arts and cultural institutions.
In the environmental session, Jeong Ji-eun, an officer at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea, will introduce a collaborative system in which institutions share and reuse exhibition resources to reduce waste.
Kim Tae-yeon, a curator at Samsung Foundation of Culture, will present an example of science-and-art integrated education developed with the Biodiversity Foundation, under the theme “Nature Welcomed into the Museum.” The program is based on “green science,” encompassing ecology, the environment and biology.
In the social session, Lee Young-shin, a curator and researcher at the National Museum of Korea, will explain “Everyone! ABCD,” an educational program that uses cultural heritage to help people understand different cultures. Kang Gyu-seong, a researcher at Samsung Foundation of Culture, will share examples of support for preserving Korean cultural heritage overseas.
Since 2021, the foundation has introduced modular partitions, reused exhibition materials and recycled used hand towels and electronic equipment. It has also continued efforts to improve accessibility at the museum, including producing sign-language interpretation videos and holding special visits for people with disabilities.
After the presentations, there will be a performance by cellist Lee Won-hae, followed by an opportunity for participants to connect. Admission is free, and visitors can register on the Leeum Museum of Art website. Those who register in advance can visit the museum for free from noon to 2 p.m. on the day of the event.
Moon-Hyung Ryu, CEO of Samsung Foundation of Culture, said, “Sustainable change at arts and cultural institutions can only extend further when they share their respective experiences and work together.”

[email protected] Jang In-seo Reporter