SeMA Hosts International Seminar on the Future of Public Photography Museums

The Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) is set to host an international seminar titled “A Place for Photography” on September 3, 2024, at the Buk-Seoul Museum of Art. This event marks a significant milestone as it commemorates the upcoming opening of Korea’s first public photography museum, Photo SeMA. The seminar aims to bring together leading voices from global photography institutions, providing a platform to discuss the future of photography museums, share institutional visions, and explore opportunities for international collaboration.

A Platform for Global Photography Dialogue

The seminar will feature prominent speakers who represent some of the most influential photography institutions in Europe and Asia. These experts will share their insights on the evolving role of photography museums in the contemporary art landscape and present their institutions’ future programs and operational plans.

Among the speakers is Gwen Lee, Director and Co-founder of the Singapore International Photography Festival (SIPF) and DECK Photography Art Centre. DECK is set to open in a new space in 2026, and Lee will offer a glimpse into its future direction and potential collaborations with other institutions. Another key speaker, Felix Hoffmann, Artistic Director of FOTO ARSENAL WIEN, will discuss Austria’s largest photography biennale and the reopening of FOTO ARSENAL WIEN in 2026.

RongRong&inri, Co-founders of Three Shadows Photography Art Centre in China and co-hosts of the Jimei×Arles International Photo Festival, will contribute their expertise on independent contemporary photography in China. They will highlight the unique challenges and opportunities in fostering contemporary photographic art in the region. Additionally, Péter Baki, Director of the Hungarian Museum of Photography, will share the European perspective on the preservation and promotion of photographic heritage.

The seminar will also provide an opportunity to hear from Jung Hee Han, Director of Photo SeMA. Han will outline the museum’s vision and operational strategies, emphasizing how Photo SeMA will contribute to the global photography community and foster domestic talent.

Exploring Architectural Innovation

In addition to the discussions on photography, the seminar will delve into the architectural innovation behind Photo SeMA. Architects Mladen Jadric of Jadric Architektur ZT GmbH and Yoon Geun-ju of 1990uao, who designed the museum, will present the collaborative journey that began with a design competition in 2019 and continues to the present day. Their presentation will provide attendees with an in-depth understanding of the creative process and the unique architectural features that make Photo SeMA a groundbreaking space for photography.

Engaging the Public and Photographic Community

The seminar is not only a platform for professionals in the field but is also open to the public, fostering a broader dialogue on the role of photography in contemporary culture. Attendees will have the chance to engage with experts, gain insights into the future of photography museums, and explore potential collaborations between domestic and international photographers.

To participate in the seminar, interested individuals are required to register online. The event will offer simultaneous interpretations in Korean and English to ensure accessibility for a diverse audience. For those unable to attend in person, SeMA will upload the seminar video and handouts to its website and YouTube channel, allowing a wider audience to benefit from the discussions.

Looking Ahead: The Role of Photography in Public Institutions

As the cultural landscape continues to evolve, the importance of photography as a medium of expression and documentation is becoming increasingly recognized. The establishment of Photo SeMA represents a significant step forward in Korea’s cultural development, offering a dedicated space for the exploration, preservation, and promotion of photographic art. The international seminar “A Place for Photography” sets the stage for Photo SeMA’s role in the global photography community, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and exchange in shaping the future of public photography museums.