Before coming to France, Gaeun Kim earned a Bachelor's degree in Performing Arts at Howon University in Seoul and co-founded a feminist and queer artistic collective, collaborating with various young artists. She then continued her studies with a degree in Theatre Studies at Paris 3 University and is currently in the second year of a Master in International Cultural and Artistic Project Management.

Gaeun Kim has always been passionate about live performance and cultural projects that help create social connections and celebrate diversity through art.
 

On The Outset at ICI–CCN Montpellier

"Within this internship via Life Long Burning, I wanted to to build up the practical experience I lacked. I also wanted to understand how the concepts I had only studied in theory, were applied in practice.

My interest in cultural policy has deepened during my time in France, particularly around the ideas of democratization, decentralization, and art for all. This inspired me to work in a public theater or cultural institution that aligns with these values.

Visiting cultural venues in Île-de-France made me aware of the importance of territorial engagement. I wanted to explore activities such as mediation or artist residencies in other regions (outside Paris) to inform my perspective before returning to Korea, where cultural activities remain highly centralized in Seoul. I believe every region should be able to develop its own cultural identity.

Finally, as a foreigner, I was looking for an environment open to international collaborations from beyond Europe. All these elements naturally led me to the ICI–CCN, whose mission and orientation matched my aspirations."