Putting forward a new music-based peacemaking model to foster mutual understanding.
The Korean ArtPop Storytelling Workshop, to be held September 25, 2024, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at George Mason University, will put forward a first-of-its-kind peacemaking model, one that uses music to foster collaborative storytelling and mutual understanding between diverse groups of students who have their own unique experiences in the university setting.
(Logo design: Hana H.)
Why Music?
While George Mason University (GMU) prides itself on being an inclusive and diverse campus, we acknowledge the need for more interconnection between students of various backgrounds, especially between international and domestic students, who often face different levels of belonging in the university community.
This event will feature a live performance of selected Korean ArtPop songs, a genre that blends the poetry of art music with romantic and popular melodies. Following the performance, participants will engage in an interactive lyric-based storytelling workshop.
Guided by trained student facilitators from the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, participants will use the poetry and sound of the music to build understanding and interconnection around their own personal stories and experiences living in the United States.
Throughout the event, international students will explore their motivations for coming to the United States. We also aim to unveil narratives among the broader student body, including domestic students, whose experiences often differ from those of their international student peers.
Meet the Team
This is a student-led project that spans multiple disciplines and involves the guidance of multiple faculty advisors at GMU.
The event is guided by the mentorship of The Narrative Transformation Lab and the sponsorship of the Dean’s Office at the Carter School and University Life at GMU.
Host & Co-Developers
Host
Seung Gyo Kim (Carter School)
Operations Team
Claire Jung (Carter School)
Storytelling Workshop Team
Jake Ferro (Carter School)
Matthew Godfrey (Carter School)
Suzi Kim (Carter School)
Caroline Seo (Carter School)
Angela Mandizvidza (Carter School)
Performance Team
Ji-heon Sung (Global Affairs)
Lucia Ku (College for Visual and Performing Arts)
PR & Outreach Team
Jhansi Sneha Kamsali (Computer Science)
Yoonseo Cho (Global Affairs)
Mo Badawi (Costello College of Business)
Michelle Melo (Information Sciences and Technology)
Hana H. (Information Technology Services)
Faculty Advisors
Michael Smith (International Narrative Design Advisor)
Audrey Williams (Domestic Narrative Design Advisor)
Seungwon “Shawn” Lee, PhD (Event Management Advisor)
External Team Members
External Performance Advisors
Seong Won Nam, Tenor
Jin Young Chae, Mezzo-soprano
External Researcher
Seihoon Lee (Higher Education)
External Contributors
Seungmi Kim (Introductory Remarks video editor)
Barnabas Chanuk In (BTS Shoot)
Event Program
Introductory Remarks
Dr. Hyogeun Kim
Pioneer of the K-ArtPop Movement in the Republic of Korea; Ewha Womans University
Dr. Matthew Thompson
Clinical Assistant Professor of Music, University of Michigan
Guest Performer
Dr. Ji Eun Park
Soprano, LAON Ensemble
Soprano Dr. Ji Eun Park was born and grew up in Seoul, South Korea. Dr. Park has received several accolades for her opera performances.
In 2016, Dr. Park made her debut at Boston Symphony Hall as a soprano soloist of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony conducted by Ken-David Masur. In the summer of 2015, she was a featured artist at Pittsburgh Festival Opera and performed the role of the Countess in Le nozze di Figaro. She has performed numerous lead roles in opera productions of the Boston University Opera Institute including Violetta (La traviata, act 3), Lidoine (Dialogues of the Carmelites), Miss Wingrave (Owen Wingrave), Vitellia (La clemenza di Tito), Eliza (Dark sisters), and Donna Anna (Don Giovanni).
Dr. Park is a member of Boston Soloists Ensemble and performed for their concert series. She resides in Gaithersburg in Maryland and is currently a music director and soloist at the Korean Presbyterian Church of Baltimore. She also teaches voice and piano at the International School of Music in Potomac, Maryland, and Roberson School of Music in Columbia, Maryland.
This event is being held as part of the Fall 2024 Peace Week hosted by the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University.
GMU Partners
External Partners
