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Busan Library to Host “Best Collection” Exhibition of Works by People with Mental Disabilities

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Busan Library announced that it will jointly host the “Best Collection” exhibition of works by people with mental disabilities with Munhwa Bokji Gonggam, an incorporated association headed by Kim Ju-hyeok, for 17 days from September 2 through 20 at the exhibition hall on the second floor of the library.

The exhibition was planned to look back on works presented in previous years and further promote public understanding and empathy toward people with mental disabilities, building on the achievement of attracting a cumulative total of approximately 6,000 visitors over the four years from 2022 to 2025.

Marking its fifth anniversary this year, the exhibition will bring together the 2022 photo essay exhibition, the 2023 illustrated poetry exhibition, the 2024 watercolor and cartoon exhibition, and the 2025 essay exhibition. Forty outstanding works will be presented to the public again from among 147 works by people with mental disabilities exhibited over the past four years.

At 14:00 on September 2, the opening day of the exhibition, a meet-the-artists session and a music concert will be held at Modeullak Theater on the first basement level of the library, with approximately 200 participants, including staff from organizations and groups for people with disabilities, artists with mental disabilities, and their families.

In Part 1, “Meet the Artists,” nine participants, including exhibiting artist Lee Dong-hyeop and Kim Jeong-hwa, who provided guidance on the artworks, will share candid stories about their creative activities. Part 2, “Music Concert,” will feature performances by pianists Kang Dae-hyeon and Jo Mi-ji, along with songs by baritone Kang Gyeong-won and singer Kim In-cheol, offering a musical program for invited guests and other participants.

The exhibition will run for 17 days, from 10:00 to 17:00 each day except Mondays, when the library is closed, and admission will be free for all visitors.

The exhibition is being organized in collaboration with Munhwa Bokji Gonggam. Busan Library is providing the exhibition space and supporting the planning and production of the exhibition, while Munhwa Bokji Gonggam is supporting the artworks.

Munhwa Bokji Gonggam provides culturally underserved groups, including people with disabilities, foreign residents, and low-income households, with a variety of opportunities to enjoy arts and culture, such as performances, exhibitions, and cultural excursions.

Busan Library has been working with Munhwa Bokji Gonggam since 2022 to hold exhibitions featuring people with mental disabilities. The two organizations have also continued their collaboration through annual reading and cultural programs for people with developmental disabilities.

In addition to this exhibition, Busan Library plans to operate a variety of programs aimed at encouraging people with disabilities to use the library and fostering greater public understanding. The library held three Braille and sign language classes for the public through July and will offer three more sessions from September through November.

For details on the public Braille and sign language classes, where participants can learn the principles of Braille formation and sign language, visit the Busan Library website at library.busan.go.kr. For other inquiries, contact Busan Library at 051-310-5444.

Park Eun-a, Director of Busan Library, said, “As the exhibition for people with mental disabilities marks its fifth anniversary, I would like to express my gratitude for the dedication of Munhwa Bokji Gonggam and the participating artists with mental disabilities. I hope the exhibition will serve as a meaningful debut platform for these artists as they take their work into the wider community, while also giving citizens an opportunity to build empathy and change their perceptions by recognizing that people with disabilities are no different from themselves.”