Busan Bank recertified as top arts patron for 7th consecutive year

Busan Bank announced Wednesday that it has been recertified as an "Outstanding Arts Patronage Institution" at the 2026 Arts Patronage Intermediary Organizations and Outstanding Institutions Certification Ceremony, held Tuesday at the Westin Josun Hotel in Seoul. The certification is hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and administered by Arts Council Korea, and is awarded to companies and organizations that demonstrate excellence in arts patronage based on a comprehensive evaluation of their support activities and operational systems.

Busan Bank first received the certification in 2020 and has now earned it for the third time, maintaining its status as an outstanding institution for seven consecutive years. The recertification recognizes the bank's sustained cultural contribution activities aimed at advancing the local arts scene and expanding opportunities for residents to engage with culture.

The bank has supported the Busan International Film Festival for 31 consecutive years since 1996 and consistently backs other major local cultural events such as the Busan Fireworks Festival and the Busan International Dance Festival. It also contributes to the vitality of performing arts in the region by donating to the Busan Cultural Center's arts development fund. Through its free cultural performance program "Play on BNK," the bank brings a range of performances to the public, helping broaden access to the arts.

"We will continue to make every effort to invigorate local culture — by providing free exhibition space to local artists and artists with disabilities to support their creative work, and by opening our cultural spaces so that all residents can experience the arts in their everyday lives," a Busan Bank official said.