In the city of Holguin, where cultural boundaries are often blurred, a community project is continuously developing: ARTCOR, weaving links between youth and the fascinating world of Korean culture.
More than just a fan club or a space to consume K-pop. This socio-cultural project has become a melting pot of learning, creativity, and connection, where young people explore the depths of Korean history, art, gastronomy, and traditions, building bridges between cultures and breaking down stereotypes.
From workshops on traditional customs, to Korean film spaces and other activities. The vibrant universe of this project is worth telling, to discover its impact and its potential for initiatives in the community.
His beginnings
ARTCOR (Korean Art Club) is a community socio-cultural project. Its main objective is the exchange and cultural growth of its members, healthy fun, while managing to create a space for young lovers of this culture in our country.
“The idea really came initially as a club in Havana, with a group of people of all ages watching Korean dramas that aired on Canal Habana. They met to comment on them. They learned that there was also music and more interesting things about culture.” Explained Montse Pupo, current president of the ARTCOR headquarters in the province of Holguin.
Moreover this is how the club was created to share these common tastes. It is currently a project with strong It is currently a project with strong participation of young people, but reaching audiences of all ages.
In the province of Holguin, it began at the initiative of the first president Aliet Núñez. “We saw that it was a project that is quite beneficial. From a social point of view, it invited healthy fun, without alcoholic beverages. Without the consumption of cigarettes in the activities. In addition to the space for young people to express themselves through the arts,” he said.
Spaces with everyone and for everyone
Currently the project offers three to four activities a month. Cinema spaces, workshops, music clubs and events with participation games, dynamics, singing, dancing and drawing competition. “We try to cover all possible artistic manifestations and intermingle both cultures,” explained the president.
These activities take place in premises in the municipality of Holguin.
Also the workshops are given at the Provincial Center for Improvement for Culture. The film screenings are located at the Martí Cinema. They have a music club called by the project as “Discoreas” in the Caligari Cabinet. Currently the events are at the Martí cinema and at the Benny More Hall.
“Before a South Korean embassy was established in Cuba. ARTCOR was the only cultural organization representative of Korean culture. In our country official and recognized. We have an affiliation with Korean descendants. In the case of our province, we are affiliated with the association of Korean descendants in Holguin. Club Martiano de Amistad Cuba-Corea. Which in turn is affiliated with the José Martí Cultural Association,” shared Montse Pupo.
Throughout the four years that this project has been consolidated in Holguin. It has managed to bring groups of amateur dancers to the “K-Pop World Festival” competition at the national level. And the province has had representatives in International Festivals.
On the other hand we are united by art “Nowadays many young people are interested in Korean culture. So much so that many K-pop groups have been created in our city. Teenagers and young people who share their tastes come together, and they don’t do badly. I think that Korean culture has come to our country to stay.
For many of them, K-dramas and K-pop are ways to escape the daily grind. It is a combination of entertainment. It is a perfect mix that Cuban youth is interested in,” like others.
Yordanis Sánchez González, provincial methodologist of Dance in Holguin. Has been captivated by the good atmosphere and inspiration. That the project provides, helping to strengthen it in the province.
How did you discover the ARTCOR project?
“One of my functions as a provincial methodologist of Dance of the System of Houses of Culture is to advise and accompany the Urban Dances movement in the province of Holguin. It was very important to bring together all the artistic units that were present in their repertoire of urban dances. Through some passionate fans of the K-Pop dance genre, I got in touch with the ARTCOR project.”
How have you contributed to the activities or programs of the Project?
“I advise and accompany the ARTCOR project, providing technical recommendations that contribute to its continuous improvement. In addition, I participate in their events as a jury. I invite them to participate in the provincial events held by the Provincial Center of Houses of Culture, evaluating the presentations and supporting the artistic development of the participants.
The movement is a cultural phenomenon with deeper roots. It’s true that the popularity of Korean culture has grown explosively in a short time, making it seem like a fad. However, I believe that this phenomenon has managed to transcend the superficial, it has created emotional connections, communities and a real interest in culture. It is more than a fashion, it is a cultural expression that has come to leave its mark on the world.
How do you expect the Project to evolve in the coming years?
“The ARTCOR headquarters in Holguin, as a dance project, has a remarkable potential for artistic development. It is essential that the project maintains a rigorous training plan. Which includes both technical strengthening and the exploration of different styles and choreographic languages.
They are expected to delve into the investigation of the cultural roots of dance, integrating them in an innovative way into their scenic proposals.
Let’s keep growing
Everyone comes to this path differently. Some came through music, a song that caught his attention. A music video or a Korean drama.
They are amazed by the art of the traditional and the songs with their attractive rhythm, some allege. And they end up getting to know other cultures of the Asian giant.
In summary, this community sociocultural project is a valuable and necessary initiative. Not only does it enrich the cultural diversity of the community, but it also offers unique opportunities for learning, social connection, and personal development for all who get involved.
With continuous support from the community and institutions, ARTCOR will continue to flourish and generate a positive impact on the lives of many Holguin residents.
By: Indira Vania López Samé / Translated by Radio Angulo
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