Sunjung Kim

Academic and Professional Background

I have worked as Chief Curator and Deputy Director (1993–2004) and later as Director (2016–2017) of Art Sonje Center in Seoul, where I currently serve as Artistic Director (2022–). I was Artistic Director of the ACC Archive & Research at Asia Culture Center (2014–2015), and President of the Gwangju Biennale Foundation (2017–2021). Since 2011, I have led the REAL DMZ PROJECT, an ongoing art and research platform engaging with the (in)visible borders of the Korean DMZ.

I currently serve as Chair of ICOM Korea (2023–) and Board Member of ICOM ASPAC, working to enhance regional and global collaboration in the museum field.

I served on the CIMAM Board from 2017 to 2019. During this time, I was particularly impressed by the work of Museum Watch, which actively responded to urgent issues affecting museums under political and ethical pressures. This experience deepened my understanding of inclusive leadership and highlighted the importance of global solidarity in shaping contemporary museum practices.

Motivation statement explaining what encourages you to join the Board of CIMAM

My motivation to rejoin the CIMAM Board stems from a long-standing commitment to fostering critical discourse, ethical leadership, and institutional innovation within the field of contemporary art museums

CIMAM plays a vital role in defining and defending the values of contemporary art institutions worldwide, especially in moments of crisis—political, social, and ecological. As someone deeply engaged in the cultural complexities of East Asia, I am eager to contribute to CIMAM’s mission by amplifying diverse perspectives, fostering transnational dialogue, and advocating for sustainable and inclusive institutional practices.

Having previously served on the CIMAM Board (2017–2019), I understand the responsibilities and impact of this role. I believe my experience with ICOM Korea and ICOM ASPAC further positions me to facilitate meaningful exchange across regions, particularly in the Asia-Pacific context.

I am motivated by a belief that museums must continuously evolve—both structurally and conceptually—to remain relevant and responsible. I would be honored to contribute to CIMAM’s future vision by supporting ethical governance, professional development, and global solidarity among art museum professionals.

Explain how you see the role of CIMAM in advancing contemporary art museums globally

CIMAM is uniquely positioned to lead contemporary art museums toward sustainable and environmentally responsible practices. By promoting discourse on eco-conscious curating and sustainable exhibition models, CIMAM helps museums become active agents in climate awareness, environmental justice, and long-term resilience. In today’s rapidly shifting landscape, CIMAM’s role is more important than ever—to ensure museums remain inclusive, rigorous, and relevant spaces for contemporary thought and cultural reflection. I also hope to contribute to the field by connecting and exchanging ideas with fellow contemporary art curators.

How would you help CIMAM advocate for museums in areas such as funding, membership engagement, and strategic initiatives to achieve its mission?

In terms of membership engagement, I believe in creating more inclusive platforms that reflect the diversity of our field. I would support initiatives that expand participation from underrepresented regions, including Asia and the Global South, and strengthen dialogue among members through regional gatherings, language accessibility, and hybrid programming.

If elected as a Board Member, what would be your main objectives or areas of action for the next three years for CIMAM to contribute to the sustainable development of the modern and contemporary art museum sector?

If elected to the CIMAM Board, my main goals over the next three years would be to promote sustainable, inclusive, and locally responsive growth in the modern and contemporary art museum field.

Enhancing Regional Inclusion: Amplify underrepresented voices, especially from Asia and the Global South, through regional events, multilingual resources, and mentorship.

Advancing Institutional Sustainability: Support environmentally, socially, and financially sustainable practices in museum programming, governance, and public engagement.

Empowering Emerging Professionals: Expand opportunities for early-career curators through fellowships, exchanges, and leadership training.

Through these actions, I aim to help CIMAM become not only a support system for museum professionals, but also a catalyst for ethical transformation and sustainable development across the global art ecosystem.