U.S.-South Korea Creative Fellowship Program

CPD U.S.-South Korea NextGen Creative Fellowship Program

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The USC Center on Public Diplomacy (CPD) invites applications to the U.S.-South Korea NextGen Creative Fellowship Program. With support from the Korea Foundation, this program aims to engage the creative sector in furthering professional networks and relationship-building between the United States and the Republic of Korea.

This fall, the program will bring together media practitioners and journalists who report or produce works on the creative sector to explore key trends in storytelling and content creation, develop a deeper knowledge of this rapidly growing sector of commerce and culture, and examine implications for engagement practices and partnerships for better international understanding.

The creative industries are powerful storytellers and form an essential part of the creative economy. The sector’s distinct knowledge and practices in narratives and storytelling are key to effective international and intercultural communication in contemporary times. Improving the public’s understanding of diverse cultures and global affairs requires compelling communication and creative dialogue. Through professional exchange, this program will explore next-generation storytelling and discuss implications for international communication.

South Korea has a burgeoning, dynamic creative sector that is gaining wider global attention and recognition. This fellowship program provides a platform for U.S. participants to engage with their peers and thought leaders from both countries through forums and site visits, to share perspectives on the current status and future of the field, and to broaden their professional knowledge and networks. Participants will have the opportunity to visit and interact with leading players in the Korean cultural industry, including film and TV, K-pop and digital comics.

The fellowship will host a small group of U.S. media practitioners who report on the creative sector and who are interested in learning more about the sector in South Korea. It comprises a one-week study trip to South Korea and pre- and post-visit programs in Los Angeles. The fellowship will commence in late October, with a trip to South Korea scheduled for November 14–18. Travel, lodging and local transportation expenses for the trip to Seoul will be covered by the program. Travel plans are contingent upon the latest COVID-19 conditions and regulations. The entire program will conclude by mid-December.

PROGRAM GOALS

  • This program will provide a model of engaging the creative sector in the two countries and beyond to explore storytelling trends and implications for building better international engagement and mutual understanding.
  • Fellows will develop a deeper knowledge of the creative sector in both countries and expand their professional networks.
  • The program will enhance the study and practice of soft power by understanding industry dynamics and its broader impact on society.

PROGRAM OUTLINE

The fellowship consists of a pre-trip roundtable, a study trip and a post-trip roundtable. The program will be conducted in English. Korean language skills are not required for participation.

1) Pre-meeting (early November)

Prior to the study visit to South Korea, program fellows will participate in a private roundtable discussion on industry trends, the evolving societal role of the creative sector, and implications for better communication of international policies and cultural relations.

2) Study Trip (November 14–18)

The one-week trip to Seoul provides opportunities for program fellows to meet with key players as well as their counterparts in the creative sector in South Korea to share experiences and perspectives. Itinerary will be forthcoming after the selection of fellows.

3) Post-meeting (early December)

CPD will hold a post-trip meeting with the participants to reflect on their learnings and experiences. We may also invite select participants for future public programs on next-generation storytelling trends and implications.

The pre- and post-meeting events will be held either online or in person on the campus of the University of Southern California.

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

  • Media practitioners and journalists who report or produce works on the creative sector, which may include film and television, design, creative tech and video games;

  • Interest in international affairs and the exploration of storytelling for public engagement on international policies and cultural relations; and

  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, email the following to cpd@usc.edu with “ATTN: CPD Creative Sector Fellowship Application” in the subject line:

  • Resume;
  • Cover letter that discusses the applicant’s area of interest;
  • Two samples of recent work; and
  • Two references, with one letter of recommendation 

 

The application deadline is October 10, 2022. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Fellow selection will be completed by October 21, 2022.

For questions about the program, please contact César Corona, CPD Assistant Director for Engagement, at coronaco@usc.edu.

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