A Study on a Resident Program for Supporting the Creation of Cartoons and Animation

As an increasing amount of Korean animation is being produced for Hollywood films, and/or winning prizes at international animation festivals, Korean animation is proving its growth potential and competitive power. In order for such domestic cartoons and animation to stably develop and maintain firm competitive power in international markets, cartoonists and animators need programs to support their creations, and locations where they can create their works. They also keenly demand the development of various programs and support policies that fit Korea`s situation. In addition, if independently produced cartoons and animations have stable locations where they can be shown and commercialized, they can receive public benefits, beyond short-term commercial effects. Based on these views, this study sheds light on the concept, formation, and vitalization of a creation space and resident program, through the intentions of a studio where young and would-be artists create their works. In addition, this study has a significant meaning in that it offers a more effective and positive policy direction, as well as more opportunities to re-educate artists. As a result, it is expected that this study will contribute toward recovering the identity of cartoons and animation, which have been recognized as commercial genres, and to firm up their competitive power in international markets. It also demonstrates that these creation spaces, beyond the simple logic in which a creation space only motivates an artist`s desire to create, will help in developing Korean cartoons and animation through cultural and personal exchanges with artists of foreign countries, and through an understanding of other cultures, offer communication programs to connect Seoul and other local communities, and establish the cultural identity of local communities where such creation facilities are located. In this way, the public can more easily understand and access cartoons and animation in their daily lives through these creation spaces.