[CJ for Tomorrow] illustrates examples of CJ’s ESG management philosophy, which aims to create a sustainable future while developing a natural environment and industrial ecosystem in a balanced way.
Despite the ongoing crisis in the culture and arts industry as a result of COVID-19, CJ Cultural Foundation has continued to work towards a win-win situation with creators and the cultural ecosystem. The Foundation has supported creators through open calls in three areas: TUNE UP (music), STORY UP (film), and STAGE UP (performance). Through the online annual report for 2021, you can see the important steps CJ Cultural Foundation took last year.
In 2021, when everything from daily life to culture came to a halt, CJ Cultural Foundation moved more creatively and boldly, and was able to produce significant outcomes as a result. In 2022, the CJ Culture Foundation will also actively seek out creators in marginalized areas of popular culture, thereby fulfilling its original mission of promoting cultural diversity.
Min Ji-seong, Secretary General of CJ Cultural Foundation
Since its establishment in 2006 as “Cultural Dream Guard for Young Creators,” CJ Cultural Foundation has supported a variety of young creators in marginalized areas of popular culture, including rookie musicians in non-mainstream genres, short film directors and screenwriters, and creative musical writers and composers focusing on major public competitions such as TUNE UP, STORY UP, and STAGE UP. It has thereby established itself as a representative corporate culture foundation that contributes to the expansion of the Korean cultural industry’s base and the diversification of K-culture. In recognition of these efforts, the CJ Culture Foundation was awarded the Presidential Citation for Cultural Diversity at the 40th Sejong Culture Award Ceremony, held in October 2021.
TUNE UP
TUNE UP is receiving recognition as a contributor to the diversity of the Korean music industry, as it supports the production of albums and live videos by new and indie musicians, as well as recording, performances, and promotion.
STORY UP
We are assisting new directors in entering the market by supporting production of short films and as well as their participation in major film festivals. In 2021, we strengthened support for the production of short films for new directors whose opportunities have been further diminished by the COVID-19 pandemic.
STAGE UP
We assist creators, such as writers and composers, in order to discover good works by small creative groups in the field of performance and helping them to expand their audience base.
