About us
Message from the President​
International Association for Art Ecosystem Research (IAAE)
The International Association for Art Ecosystem Research (IAAE) is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to examining how art operates as an ecosystem. The Association focuses on the interconnections between artistic practices, social structures, institutions, regions, and lived environments.
IAAE does not approach art as isolated works or temporary events, but understands it as a dynamic system in which people, memory, place, and social conditions continuously interact and evolve. From this perspective, art is regarded not only as a cultural output, but as a critical tool for research, education, and social value creation.
The Association places particular emphasis on the relationship between regionally grounded practices and global cultural discourse. Through long-term research, exhibitions, educational programs, and international collaboration, IAAE examines how local artistic ecosystems emerge and generate public value, especially in regions undergoing social, economic, or demographic transition.
IAAE’s core areas of focus include art as a form of social research, the role of culture in community resilience and regeneration, the relationship between territory, memory, and public space, and sustainable models for cultural ecosystems beyond market-driven frameworks.
Operating as an open research platform, IAAE collaborates with cultural institutions, universities, foundations, and local communities across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Its projects include research-based exhibitions, public programs, archives, and pilot initiatives, ensuring both public accessibility and academic and curatorial rigor.
Ultimately, IAAE seeks to reconfigure relationships between art and society, global discourse and local knowledge, and past memory and future possibilities, contributing to the development of inclusive and sustainable cultural ecosystems.
Monica Hye Yeon Jun
President, International Association of Art and Engagement (IAAE)
Who we are
Our goal is to deepen the global discourse on the position and role of contemporary art while highlighting and seeking solutions to significant social, cultural, and political issues of our time through contemporary art.
Professional Engagement
Research & Discourse
Conduct research and critical analysis on contemporary art and its relationship with social issues such as immigration, borders, diaspora, human rights, environment, and technology. Collaborate with global curators to explore how contemporary art can fulfill social roles. Publish annual reports and academic journals to foster discourse and share insights.
International Collaboration & Networking
Build strong networks with curators, artists, and cultural institutions worldwide. Organize global curator forums and symposia to encourage cross-border dialogue. Plan cross-cultural exhibitions and collaborative projects to promote cultural exchange.
Education & Mentorship
Provide mentorship and educational programs for emerging curators. Offer workshops for contemporary art planners and researchers. Host both online and offline seminars to foster continuous learning and community engagement.
Social Responsibility & Activism
Highlight social issues such as human rights, environmental concerns, gender equality, and digital ethics through contemporary art. Advocate for the rights and support of artists and curators. Promote social change through artistic initiatives and activism.
Exhibitions & Special Projects
Curate exhibitions in collaboration with global curators. Support emerging and underrepresented artists to amplify diverse voices. Develop experimental projects across various forms, including media art, performance, and interactive art.
Policy Advocacy & Art Development
Propose policies that emphasize the value and role of contemporary art. Collaborate with governments and art institutions to advance arts-support policies. Research the intersection of contemporary art with technology, economy, and social structures.
Vision
The Global Curator Association aims to transform contemporary art into a vital platform for driving social change and shaping cultural discourse—moving beyond art as mere expression to art as a catalyst for meaningful impact.