Launched in April 2023, the Arirang Master Award Program celebrates outstanding achievements in intangible cultural heritage. Overseen by the International Advisory & Directors' Board (IAB) of Culture Masters, this initiative honours exceptional practitioners for their artistic talents and contributions to preserving the vitality of cultural heritage in their communities. Inspired by the spirit of Arirang, a cornerstone of Korean heritage, the program aligns with the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. We invite you to nominate exemplary practitioners from your country and join us in our mission to protect and promote living heritage worldwide.

Visit the Website of the Program: https://www.culturemasters.org/arirang-master

Culture-Based Global Leadership & Creative Talent Development Program

Advancing Global Education through Culture, Creativity, and Ethical Competence

Culture Masters designs and delivers advanced, customised education and training programs that empower cultural practitioners, artisans, creative professionals, emerging youth talents, and community stakeholders to thrive sustainably within an increasingly complex global cultural economy.

Centred on the CM Global Academy, and in strategic alignment with the CM School initiative, Culture Masters is building a next-generation global education model that integrally connects culture, esports, K-pop, digital creativity, and cultural–ethical education within a coherent and future-oriented framework.

These programs go beyond conventional skills training, aiming to cultivate leaders who embody ethical responsibility rooted in cultural identity and who possess the global competence required to succeed in sustainable international careers.

1. Culture-Based Core Curriculum

The Intellectual and Ethical Foundation of Global Education

At the heart of CM School lies the Culture-Based Core Curriculum, designed and delivered by Culture Masters.
Rather than serving as a supplementary course, this curriculum functions as a philosophical, cultural, and ethical foundation shared across all academic disciplines.

Key Components

• Foundational and advanced studies in K-Culture, encompassing both traditional cultural heritage and contemporary cultural expressions

• Contemporary application and utilisation of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) and Living Heritage

• Project-based and interdisciplinary learning to strengthen creative capacity

• Education in cultural diversity, peace, and international understanding

• Global citizenship and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) education

Through this framework, students specialising in esports, K-pop, modelling, digital content creation, and creative industries develop not only technical excellence, but also the cultural literacy and ethical judgment essential for sustainable global careers.

2. Leadership Development for Cultural and Creative Leaders

Cultivating Visionary Leadership Rooted in Culture

Culture Masters strengthens culture-based leadership capabilities, enabling cultural practitioners and emerging talents to lead cultural ecosystems at local, national, and international levels.

Core Focus Areas

• Cultural leadership and governance

• Strategic thinking for culture-led development

• Public–private partnership models in cultural and creative industries

• Understanding culture as a driver of social cohesion and sustainable growth

3. Digital and Creative Skills Training

Enhancing Global Competitiveness in the Digital Cultural Economy

In response to rapidly evolving global markets, Culture Masters provides practice-oriented digital education tailored specifically to cultural and creative sectors.

Training Areas

• Content planning, production, and storytelling

• Social media management and global branding strategies

• Digital marketing and platform-based business models

• Applied learning connected to esports, K-pop, and digital culture industries

4. Heritage Protection, Innovation, and Culture-Led Urban Regeneration

Linking Cultural Heritage with Sustainable Development

Culture Masters offers specialised education that redefines cultural heritage not as a relic of the past, but as a living resource driving innovation and urban and regional transformation.

Program Themes

• Safeguarding and transmission of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)

• Culture-based sustainable development strategies

• Culture-led urban regeneration and regional revitalisation models

5. Global Exchange, Residencies, and International Collaboration

Building Transnational Networks of Cultural Practitioners

Through extensive international networks, Culture Masters creates opportunities for direct global engagement and collaborative learning.

Key Programs

• International exchange and residency programs

• Joint projects with global peers and experts

• Strategic partnerships with overseas institutions, industries, and creative hubs

6. Policy, Ethics, and Cultural Advocacy Education

Expanding Culture into Policy and Public Discourse

Recognising culture as a public good, Culture Masters delivers education that strengthens policy literacy and cultural advocacy capacity.

Core Learning Areas

• Cultural policy and international cultural frameworks

• Funding mechanisms and resource mobilization

• Cultural advocacy and global cooperation strategies

• Ethics, responsibility, and the public value of culture

Program Delivery Formats

Culture Masters programs are delivered through flexible and scalable formats, including:

• Blended online and offline learning

• Practical workshops and project-based modules

• International study tours and field-based learning

• Adaptable models applicable to overseas campuses and global online programs

Culture as a Public Asset for Humanity’s Shared Future

All Culture Masters programs are grounded in the belief that culture is not merely content or entertainment, but a vital public asset essential to humanity’s shared future.

By integrating professional expertise with cultural insight, ethical awareness, and global responsibility, Culture Masters cultivates individuals capable of building sustainable cultural ecosystems and leading meaningful transformation within the global community.