Sangmin Cha

I’m a creative-minded, born empath and dedicated person. I enjoy coming up with creative ideas and I’m good at focusing on details. My work philosophy focuses on “Art For Life, Art For Everyone.” I believe that creative power has a positive impact on our society and people.

I have been working as a curator, facilitator and researcher for various cultural projects for 7 years. I bring cross-cultural, practical experience from working in the UK and Korean art industry with commercial galleries, public art exhibitions and cultural events. For the last two years I have played a pivotal role in galvanising Folkestone’s artist community, providing robust frameworks and systems to work within.

Currently lives and works in: Folkestone, UK

Areas of interest: Public sculpture and installation, community participatory art, history-driven research-based art, folklores.

Why are you a part of “Magic Carpets”: I was invited by Folkestone Fringe to participate in Magic Carpets as an emerging curator.  I love listening to people’s stories from all walks of life. This is my first

Past projects

OpenArtFolke24

Position: Project Manager

Open Art Folke is Folkestone’s first artist-led festival that inclusively showcases the extraordinary breadth of creativity in this little town by the sea based on the mantra “art for all”

The inaugural Open Art Folke festival took place between 13th and 22nd September 2024, in private and public venues across Folkestone. In its first year, the programme brought together over 130 artists, designers and makers.

Sangmin oversaw project planning, execution, and completion, ensuring alignment with creative goals and stakeholder expectations. She coordinated artists, timelines, and resources, and facilitate communication among team members to deliver successful projects. She will continue working with OpenArtFolke25 as an advisory role.

Changwon Sculpture Biennale 2022 & 2020

Position: Guest Curator, Curator

The Changwon Sculpture Biennale, established in 2010, aims to raise global awareness of Changwon-si’s rich legacy in sculpture and art. The Biennale showcases contemporary sculptures, fosters international artistic exchange, and highlights Changwon’s cultural significance in the global art scene.

Sangmin participated in two editions of Changwon Sculpture Biennale, which is the only Biennale focuses on outdoor sculptures and installation In Korea.

She oversaw a £1.1m budget plan and execution and the overall planning of the Biennale in collaboration with the Art Director.

Her role included handling international artist relations—researching, inviting, negotiating fees, and maintaining communication. She was in charge of managing over 40 artwork commissions, an international conference, and several community participatory programs. Additionally, Sangmin organised and updated internal data, ensuring accuracy before media releases and publications.

Why have you chosen to be a curator or why has curatorship chosen you? I became a curator because I love bringing art, history, and community together in visually inspiring ways. In many ways, curatorship also chose me—my passion for artist development and storytelling naturally led me here.

I enjoy creating spaces where tradition meets contemporary ideas, giving artists a platform to share their work while engaging audiences in meaningful ways.

I believe when different cultures, perspectives and ideas meet, they could create bold, fresh outcomes that expand boundaries and push our imaginative capacity. For me, curating is about more than just exhibitions; it’s about building connections, celebrating creativity, and making art an evolving, dynamic force for everyone.

What do you think is the purpose of art? The purpose of art is to connect us across time, space, and culture, sparking conversations that transcend boundaries. It invites us to explore new ideas, challenge perceptions, and expand the limits of our imagination. Art is a bridge that brings together diverse voices and experiences, fostering a shared sense of humanity. It speaks to the heart, offering a space for both personal expression and collective reflection.

I believe art is life—for humanity, for the world, and for the endless potential to create and communicate. It reminds us that beauty, meaning, and connection are universal, accessible to all.

Your favourite film(s): Amelie, Cloud Atlas, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya

Contacts

Email: sangmincha0121[et]gmail.com | Instagram