Short Description
The Busan Biennale has showcased a variety of contemporary international art trends over the past four decades while also highlighting Busan’s history and its evolving urban landscape. Since its inception in 1981 as the Pusan Youth Biennale, it has become a distinctive platform connecting local and global art. Over the years, artistic directors from around the world have contributed to the Busan Biennale, generating meaningful narratives and discussions.
To enhance Busan’s artistic value as a “Global Cultural Hub City” and to spearhead future-oriented exhibitions, we are excited to announce an open call for the position of Artistic Director for the Busan Biennale 2026. We invite candidates with a deep understanding of contemporary art and exhibitions, a compelling creative vision, and substantial curatorial experience to apply.
Project Overview
○ Goals of the Exhibition
▷ Curate an exhibition that positions the Busan Biennale as a platform for exchange between local and global communities, reflecting contemporary trends and fostering productive cultural discourses.
▷ Explore and propose new exhibition venues that highlight the geographical and environmental characteristics of Busan, an international maritime city.
▷ Expand public and audience participation through various exhibition-related programs to strengthen engagement with the local community.
▷ Build global networks and human infrastructure by collaborating with major cultural and artistic institutions and sponsors domestically and internationally.
○ Name of the Exhibition: Busan Biennale 2026
○ Exhibition Period: August – November 2026 (date to be finalized)
○ Venue: The Busan Museum of Contemporary Art (main venue), along with additional venues to be designated by the Busan Biennale Organizing Committee.
○ Number of Participants: Up to 60 artists (including artist groups) from Korea and abroad
○ Project Budget: Approximately 1,700,000,000 KRW ※ Please note that the budget is subject to change.
▷ Included: Artistic director’s compensation; expenses related to the production and installation of artworks; artist’s fees; travel and labor costs; exhibition-related programming; and overall operational and administrative expenses for the exhibition
▷ Excluded: PR/Marketing expenses
○ Hosted by the Busan Metropolitan City and the Busan Biennale Organizing Committee
○ Organized by the Busan Biennale Organizing Committee
3. Requirements
○ Plan and execute an exhibition that aligns with the goals and vision of the Busan Biennale 2026.
○ Possess a deep understanding and expertise in contemporary art, with experience in exhibitions or related curatorial fields.
○ Demonstrate the ability to collaborate effectively with local artists based in Busan.
○ Contribute to the global networking efforts of the Busan Biennale.
○ Maintain smooth internal and external communication and coordination, according to the Committee’s regulations.
○ Visit and stay in Korea (Busan) for a designated period to ensure the preparation and operation of the exhibition; additional consultation may be necessary during unforeseen circumstances, such as epidemics.
4. Major Roles and Responsibilities
○ Overall management of the exhibition
▷ Establish the exhibition theme and curatorial plan
▷ Organize the project budget
▷ Select artists and artworks, oversee artwork production and installation
▷ Plan and implement exhibition-related programs
○ General duties related to PR and sponsorship
○ Any other responsibilities assigned to the Artistic Director as specified in the contract
※The exhibition will be implemented in collaboration with the Exhibition Team of the Committee.
How to Apply
Please email the completed application form to apply@busanbiennale.org
※ The file name must include the applicant’s name.
Entry Fee
None
Location
Busan, South Korea
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 1 June 2025
Website Link: http://busanbiennale.org/BBOCen/?pCode=notice&mode=view&idx=12339
