Acknowledgment for IMACO International Conference 2009

I would like to extend our deepest appreciation to all those who participated in the International Conference 2009 of the International Mask Arts & Culture Organization (IMACO), which showcased cultural universality and diversity through valued discussions about masks and their cultures from around the world.

I also would like to give my special thanks to Mr. Teera Slukpetch, the Minister of Culture, Thailand and other staff of the Ministry of Culture, Thailand who spared no effort to support the conference as a co-sponsor.

Through this conference, I was able to see unlimited potential and the future of mask culture and, based on this inspiration, the IMACO will begin the process of registering our organization with UNESCO for the development of deeper studies about mask culture.

I am convinced that masks can be developed as a future-oriented cultural tool to help navigate for peace and equality between social classes, genders, ages, races and nationalities without any discrimination.

I hope that your interest in and support of the work of IMACO will continue for the time to come and I wish you every success personally.

Thank you very much.

Sincerely

Kim, Hwi-dong

President of International Mask Arts & Culture Organization

Mayor of Andong