The Official Poster of “Let’s Roll! From Power Plant to Roller Rink”

As the campus was embraced with the customary vigor of the new season, this year, the Spring season brought with it a unique addition to the vibrant atmosphere. The SNU Institute for Culture and Arts has embarked on a series of endeavors aimed at repurposing the Power Plant (Building 68) into a versatile cultural hub. This initiative has culminated in the establishment of a roller rink, offering an avenue for free-spirited skating enthusiasts. In collaboration with the Center for Sport Development & Promotion, the event not only showcased the roller rink but also provided an array of experiential spaces where attendees could indulge in complimentary refreshments and arcade games. Running from March 25 (Monday) to April 5 (Friday), the event concluded triumphantly with enthusiastic participation from the community.

Transformation of the Power Plant into a Creative Incubation Space by the Institute for Culture and Arts

The Entrance of “Let’s Roll! From Power Plant to Roller Rink” Event

For the past four decades, the Power Plant served as the cornerstone of campus heating systems. However, advancements in individual heating solutions for campus buildings rendered its operation redundant. In response, in July 2022, under the auspices of the Institute for Culture and Arts, the Power Plant underwent a metamorphosis into a multifunctional venue, offering diverse cultural experiences to the university populace. From rave parties to exhibitions, international forums, lectures, classical performances, and indie band concerts, a plethora of events have found a home within its walls. Concurrently, the Institute for Culture and Arts, founded in July 2022 alongside discussions on the facility's renovation, endeavors to cultivate a new epoch of cultural symbiosis, connecting creators, content, and cultural spaces across the campus. It not only oversees the comprehensive remodeling project slated for completion by 2026 but also manages the holistic operation of cultural spaces on campus.

Moreover, the Institute for Culture and Arts assumes stewardship of the Power Plant's operations. Since its inauguration event, "Power Plant, Becoming a Theater," in September two years ago, the venue has played host to an array of cultural and artistic events. Last autumn, performances and interdisciplinary forums such as "Mujo巫祖: From Circulation" and "Gorang: In the Light of Taipei's Underground Music Scene" expanded the horizons of campus cultural discourse. The roller rink event exemplified the innovative programming leveraging the unique essence of the Power Plant space. Equipped with roller skate rentals, rest areas, arcade games, and food vendors, the roller rink catered to a diverse array of experiences. With user-friendly guidance for novices and complimentary skate rentals for all, accessibility was prioritized. Notably, live DJing echoed the nostalgic ambiance of bygone roller rinks, evoking a sense of temporal displacement through retro allure. Park Soomin, a staff member of the Institute for Culture and Arts involved in planning the roller rink, articulated the aspiration for community engagement, stating, "Through roller skating at the Power Plant, we aimed to foster a vibrant rapport between individuals and the space itself." She underscored the intent behind the endeavor, emphasizing, "The Power Plant serves as a nexus for diverse cultural and artistic activities, and our event was conceived with the aspiration to attract greater participation from SNU constituents."

Harmonizing Music and Roller Skating

Crowd participating in the event (Reference: SNU Institute for Culture and Arts / Photographed by OMG Studio)

Coach Kwak Wan-seo instructing roller skating techniques (Reference: SNU Institute for Culture and Arts / Photographed by OMG Studio)

After party on the last day of the event (Reference: SNU Institute for Culture and Arts / Photographed by OMG Studio)

In collaboration with the Center for Sport Development & Promotion, the event was designed to promote student well-being. A one-day roller skating class was organized to encourage active student engagement. Led by Coach Kwak Wan-Seo, a distinguished former professional roller skater with over two decades of experience, the class offered comprehensive instruction on fundamental skills and advanced techniques.

On April 5 (Friday), the last day of the event, an after-party was convened. From 4 PM to 6 PM., attendees relished roller skating, prize draws, and a spirited after-party commencing at 6:30 PM., where the roller rink was transformed into a pulsating dance floor. DJ Yongmasan Isco and DJ Jaiho infused the atmosphere with exhilarating beats.

Reflecting on the event, Park Soomin articulated a sense of accomplishment, affirming, "Considerable effort was invested in imbuing the Power Plant with a dynamic ambiance through roller skating." She acknowledged the collaborative synergy underpinning the event's success, remarking, "The collaborative endeavor, inclusive of the Center for Sport Development & Promotion, has culminated in a gratifying outcome." She further urged continued engagement, stating, "We invite ongoing interest and anticipation for the diverse cultural and artistic initiatives slated for the Power Plant's future." Additionally, commencing May 7 (Tuesday), the 1st Power Plant will host "Dialogue 02: SYNAPSE," a curated exhibition featuring renowned installation artist Akihito Okunaka and accomplished sound designer Baek Seungryul, promising an immersive sensory experience for attendees.

Student Reporter
Jinyoung Kim (Department of Composition)
young716@snu.ac.kr

Translated by
Seulki Yeo (Department of Russian Language and Literature)