Today, we are living in an era of unprecedented technological abundance, ushering in an intelligence information society based on artificial intelligence and big data. However, it is also an era where humanity faces strong threats to global community survival due to pandemic diseases and climate issues experienced worldwide. 

In response, companies around the world are recognizing the need to assume responsibility not only for economic value but also as members of the community, fostering win-win relationships with various stakeholders such as employees, consumers, partners, society, and the natural environment. HYOSUNG believes that the driving force behind the pursuit of coexistence and mutual prosperity lies in art. Art plays a crucial role in enriching and diversifying the world, with its power to transform our minds and spirits. 

HYOSUNG's genuine commitment to supporting cultural and artistic endeavors begins with this recognition. Understanding the power of art not only to enrich human nature but also to broaden the horizons of creativity, HYOSUNG is engaged in art & culture support programs for various forms of artists, including disabled artists and emerging talents, who require assistance. 

Beyond the limits of disability, opening the new horizon of creativity

First to be introduced among HYOSUNG’s art & culture support program is the Support Program for Artists with Disabilities, which has been ongoing since 2018. The program includes providing annual sponsorship funds and supporting the creative and exhibition activities of disabled artists residing in the Seoul Arts Center for the Artists with Disabilities under the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture. Additionally, HYOSUNG is taking the lead in raising awareness through support for activities such as barrier-free film production for the visually and hearing impaired and sponsorship of the Onnuri Love Chamber Orchestra for the intellectually disabled. 

▲ The studio of autistic artist Han Seung-min, recipient of the "2021 Artist of the Year Award with HYOSUNG." (Source: Media HYOSUNG) 

HYOSUNG's partner organization for this support program, Seoul Arts Center for the Artists with Disabilities, is the only residency for disabled artists in Korea. Focusing on its operation of visual art studios, the Center also conducts various projects to support artists with disabilities and helps facilitating their creative activities and presentations. Some of the notable residents include “Pixel Kim" Kim Hyun-woo, who created "Math Drawings" displayed in the Presidential Office, and Jung Eun-hye, who appeared in the drama, "Our Blues." 

▲ Artist Lee Jin-sol with hearing impairment was selected as the "Artist of the Year with HYOSUNG 2023". (Source: Media HYOSUNG) 

HYOSUNG has been sponsoring 38 artists over the past 7 years through the support program for disabled artists. Each year, artists are selected through an open call process to join the Seoul Arts Center for the Artists with Disabilities, and they receive support such as material expenses for their artistic activities, capacity-building workshops, expert matching and networking, and curated exhibitions. Additionally, since 2020, in order to promote the value of disability arts and invigorate the creative activities of artists with disabilities, HYOSUNG has been operating the "Artist of the Year with HYOSUNG" award program. The "Artist of the Year with HYOSUNG" recognizes one artist with disabilities who has produced noteworthy work throughout the year and provides them with a prize of KRW 5 million. 

In October 2023, the "Your World I Live In" exhibition, sponsored by HYOSUNG, held at the Seoul Arts Center, was not only an opportunity to encounter the works of 58 artists from the Seoul Arts Center for the Artists with Disabilities, but also a showcase of the fruits of HYOSUNG's support for artists with disabilities. Inspired by the book "The World I Live In" by Helen Keller, a social activist in the United States who had both visual and hearing impairments, the exhibition creatively filled the absence of visual and auditory information with senses of touch, smell, and imagination. Through the exhibited artworks, the message conveyed was that "the discomfort of everyday life is the pathway to a new world," which also reflects HYOSUNG's message that it wishes to convey to society through its support for artists with disabilities. 

Understanding disability not as a limitation but as a possibility for creativity and a source of imagination; Wouldn’t this be the beginning of breaking down the societal barriers toward disability? Just as in the industrial sector over the past 70 years, where technological limitations have been surpassed, contributing to the progress of humanity, HYOSUNG aims to go beyond the societal barriers and limitations towards people with disabilities through its support for artists with disabilities. The company seeks to enjoy cultural arts together and contribute to the artistic creation of people with disabilities. Moving forward, HYOSUNG will continue its efforts to create a society that respects diversity and strives for mutual prosperity through ongoing support initiatives for the local community members. 

The beautiful harmony of art and technology: Hyosung Advanced Materials art collaboration 

Next art & culture support program of HYOSUNG to introduce is the Art Collaboration led by Hyosung Advanced Materials. HYOSUNG has been consistently collaborating with artists in various fields such as fashion and installation art, creatively transforming Hyosung Advanced Materials' diverse fiber products into artistic expressions. Additionally, in order to raise awareness of the environmental and social significance of ESG management to a broader audience, HYOSUNG is actively engaging in various forms of collaboration with social enterprises and startups in related fields. 

▲ The fashion collection featuring Hyosung Advanced Materials' aramid fabric unveiled by the designer brand ‘KANGHYUK’. 

In 2021, Hyosung Advanced Materials collaborated with the globally renowned emerging fashion brand 'KANGHYUK' to create pieces using the company’s signature products such as safety belt materials, carbon fibers, and airbag fabrics. KANGHYUK's designers, Choi Kang-hyuk and Shon Sang-lak, have been known for their industrial works using recycled airbag fabrics since their student days. Through this collaboration with Hyosung Advanced Materials, they expanded their material choices to include not only airbag fabrics but also environmentally friendly safety belt materials and carbon fibers, resulting in a more innovative collection. 

▲ The view of the 'Hyosung Creative Lab: Exploring Advanced Materials through Art' popup store at Hyundai Department Store Cheonho Branch. 

In 2023, as part of its art collaboration campaign, Hyosung Advanced Materials collaborated with the visual artist platform ‘pixpills’ to host a competition. The works selected from this collaboration were showcased at popup stores titled 'Hyosung Creative Lab: Exploring Advanced Materials through Art' held at venues such as Musinsa Seongsu Terrace, The Hyundai Seoul, and Hyundai Department Store Cheonho Branch. These exhibitions attracted the interest and empathy of the MZ generation. 

Moreover, at the comprehensive art festival "OOPSEOUL 2023," which transcended both online and offline boundaries, attendees had the opportunity to experience Hyosung Advanced Materials' art collaboration. Exhibits showcased a diverse array of artistic interpretations incorporating Hyosung Advanced Materials' technological prowess, including aramid, carbon fiber, tire cords, and safety belt yarns, which garnered significant attention. Additionally, at OOPSEOUL 2023, upcycled products such as bags produced from Hyosung Advanced Materials’ firefighting suit material aramid, seatbelt, and airbag fabrics were also available for sale from startup brands. 

▲ The artwork by Wendy Andrew, crafted from Hyosung Advanced Materials' tire reinforcement material, transformed into objet d’art. 

In the same year, Hyosung Advanced Materials collaborated with the artist agency AXOO to collaborate with diverse artists active worldwide. Particularly noteworthy were the artistic sculptures by Lee Kwang-ho, a globally recognized figure in the art market as a space/furniture/lighting designer, who utilized discarded and upcycled materials. Furniture made from tire reinforcement material by Wendy Andrew, a specialist in architecture and interior design, and a photoshoot featuring recycled/upcycled fashion pieces with photographer Cho Ki-suk, a significant figure in the global fashion industry, attracted attention. These collaborations not only provided an opportunity to explore the new possibilities inherent in Hyosung Advanced Materials' products, but also offered a chance to appreciate the artistic value imbued in such endeavors. 

The Hyosung Advanced Materials art collaboration can be seen as a campaign demonstrating the boundless possibilities of how HYOSUNG’s advanced materials can reach and evolve in everyday life and art. This collaboration, which portrays everyday life alongside future technology, will continue to unfold more diverse forms of collaboration with many more artists in the future. 

A long-term effort for a sustainable future, HYOSUNG art & culture support program  

HYOSUNG places "sustainability" as the most crucial value in its art & culture support programs. Art is not about quick results; it requires long-term dedication and support to artists to produce meaningful work. HYOSUNG not only provides financial support through creative grants but also conducts workshops and expert matchmaking programs to enhance artistic capabilities. By pursuing sustainability through various means, HYOSUNG aims to foster a lasting impact in the realm of arts and culture. 

HYOSUNG’s Chairman, Cho Hyun-joon, has always emphasized the importance of collective growth, stating, "You may go fast alone, but together, you can go farther." This philosophy extends to the company's art & culture support initiatives. Chairman Cho’s commitment to community and collaborative growth is reflected in the company’s approach to art & culture support endeavors. HYOSUNG recognizes promoting diversity and cultural richness through art as its corporate mission. Through sustainable art & culture support programs, HYOSUNG endeavors to break down societal barriers and foster a future where diversity is respected and celebrated.