SeoulTech College of Art and Design Hosts the First “Start-Up Art Fair”
 Providing students the opportunity to sell work as artists

The SeoulTech College of Art and Design held the first SeoulTech Start-up Art Fair (STAF) at the Gallery Meme from December 21st to 24th. Excellent work from fourth-year students was on exhibit that night.

This art fair was planned to develop the students’ creative competence, improve employability, and attract prospective students. The art fair exhibited distinguished work by undergraduate students from 53 departments, including the departments of Design, Ceramic Art and Design, Metal Art and Design, and Fine Arts.

In STAF 2018, held for the first time this year, fourth-year students from the College of Art and Design not only showcased their work but also sold them directly. Before graduating and stepping into society, students had the opportunity to experience showcasing and selling their work as an artist or designer.

Professor Kim Se-il of the College of Fine Arts noted that "of all the industries, the design industry shifts trends the fastest.” He elaborated that “In the past, companies used a fixed workforce whereas nowadays, more and more projects involve collaborations with new people.” "Creating your own brand is becoming more important,” said Professor Kim. It’s clear in this era that the power and personality of the artist has become more significant.

Professor Kim also expressed his expectations that in the long run, the SeoulTech Art Fair could be utilized as a forum for design and technology start-ups through integration with science departments.
From the first day of the exhibition, many visitors came to the gallery to look at the students’ creative work, which lead to high sales.

The College of Art and Design is comprised of two programs and four departments: Design, Ceramic Art and Design, Metal Art and Design, and Fine Arts. These departments aim to nurture creative talent with international skillsets, knowledge, and diverse perspectives of art. The college continues to provide specialized programs based on industry-academia cooperation.

* The term Art Fair refers to an art market in which galleries or artists come together to  sell artwork. Various galleries unite and hold art fairs together to promote art and widen the market. Art fairs have gradually expanded into one of the main mediums of art distribution along with art galleries and auction companies. Representative art fairs in the nation include the Hwarang Art Festival, Korea International Art Fair, Design Art Fair, and ASYAAF (Asian Students and Young Artists Art Festival).