Organizer Information
The Gwangju Biennale Foundation is the organizing body behind the internationally acclaimed Gwangju Biennale, one of Asia’s most influential contemporary art exhibitions. Established in 1995, the Biennale emerged from the cultural and democratic legacy of Gwangju and has grown into a globally recognized platform for artistic experimentation, critical discourse, and international cultural exchange.
For more than three decades, the Biennale has collaborated with distinguished curators, artistic directors, artists, researchers, and cultural practitioners from around the world. Through large-scale exhibitions, commissions, public programs, publications, and educational initiatives, it has explored pressing social, political, and cultural issues while promoting innovative artistic practices. The Foundation works closely with the municipal government and international partners to position Gwangju as a major center for contemporary art in Asia and beyond.
As preparations begin for the 17th edition of the Biennale, the Foundation is launching an international search for an Artistic Director capable of shaping the intellectual and curatorial vision of the exhibition while strengthening its role as a leading global platform for contemporary art.
Title & Description
Open Call for the Artistic Director of the 17th Gwangju Biennale
The Gwangju Biennale Foundation invites applications from experienced curators, artistic leaders, and contemporary art professionals worldwide for the position of Artistic Director of the 17th Gwangju Biennale.
This prestigious appointment offers an opportunity to lead one of the world’s most respected contemporary art biennials and to define its artistic, intellectual, and public vision for the 2028 edition. The selected Artistic Director will develop the curatorial framework, thematic concept, exhibition strategy, and overall artistic direction of the Biennale while engaging with local, national, and international stakeholders.
The Foundation seeks a visionary cultural leader capable of responding to contemporary artistic and social challenges while building upon Gwangju’s unique cultural identity and historical significance. Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong curatorial leadership, strategic thinking, international experience, and a commitment to public engagement.
The selected director will oversee the conceptual development of the exhibition, collaborate with artists and institutions worldwide, contribute to communication and outreach strategies, and help expand the global visibility and influence of the Gwangju Biennale.
The Role Overview
- Position: Artistic Director, 17th Gwangju Biennale
- Number of Openings: One individual or one curatorial team
- Employment Type: Commissioned appointment
- Residency Status: Non-resident position initially; full-time residency in Gwangju may be required during later project phases
- Contract Period: From contract signing until December 2028
- Organizer: Gwangju Biennale Foundation and Gwangju Metropolitan City
- Exhibition Opening: September 2028 (tentative)
- Working Language: English (application materials must be submitted in English)
- Eligible Applicants: Korean and international curators and art professionals
Position & Tasks
- Develop the curatorial vision and thematic framework for the 17th Gwangju Biennale
- Lead the conceptual planning and implementation of the exhibition
- Identify and address key issues shaping contemporary art and cultural discourse
- Collaborate with artists, curators, institutions, researchers, and cultural organizations internationally
- Strengthen the international profile and brand identity of the Gwangju Biennale
- Integrate the historical, cultural, and social identity of Gwangju into the exhibition concept
- Contribute to audience development, communication strategies, and public engagement initiatives
- Support institutional innovation and long-term strategic development
- Work with local stakeholders while fostering global dialogue and collaboration
- Guide exhibition planning across the Biennale venues and selected city-wide sites
Categories
- Curatorial Practice
- Contemporary Art
- Visual Arts
- Art Management
- Exhibition Making
- Cultural Leadership
- Public Programming
- Research
- International Cultural Exchange
- Biennial Studies
Eligibility
Applications are open to:
- International and Korean curators
- Individual applicants or curatorial teams
- Senior curators and cultural practitioners with significant professional experience
- Contemporary art experts with demonstrated leadership abilities
- Curators with experience in large-scale exhibitions, biennials, museums, or international art institutions
- Professionals capable of managing complex artistic and organizational projects
Applicants should demonstrate:
- A strong curatorial track record
- Strategic and visionary leadership
- Knowledge of contemporary artistic discourse
- Experience working internationally
- Commitment to public engagement and cultural value creation
- Ability to strengthen the global standing of the Gwangju Biennale
No age restrictions have been specified.
Program Benefits
- Leadership of one of the world’s leading contemporary art biennials
- International visibility and professional recognition
- Opportunity to shape a major global contemporary art exhibition
- Collaboration with artists, institutions, and cultural organizations worldwide
- Access to extensive professional networks within the international art sector
- Long-term involvement in the planning and realization of the 17th Gwangju Biennale
- Opportunity to influence contemporary art discourse at a global level
- Platform for developing innovative curatorial approaches and large-scale exhibition strategies
Compensation details will be negotiated with the selected candidate and are not publicly specified in the open call.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Intent / Personal Statement
- Portfolio of Curatorial and Professional Activities
- Preliminary Exhibition or Curatorial Proposal for the 17th Gwangju Biennale
- Two Letters of Recommendation
Applicants should ensure that all materials clearly demonstrate their curatorial experience, leadership capabilities, and vision for the future development of the Biennale.
How to Apply?
Applicants must complete the required application materials and submit all documents via email to: gb17@gwangjubiennale.org
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 3 August 2026
Location
Gwangju, South Korea
Additional Details
The Foundation is seeking a leader who can balance artistic excellence with public engagement while preserving and expanding the unique identity of the Gwangju Biennale. Candidates should be capable of connecting local cultural narratives with global artistic conversations and developing innovative strategies that enhance the Biennale’s international reputation.
Applications will undergo a multi-stage evaluation process involving document review, proposal presentations, interviews, and final approval by the Foundation’s Board of Directors. The final selected Artistic Director will be notified individually, and the appointment will also be publicly announced through official Gwangju Biennale Foundation channels.
This open call represents a rare opportunity for an established curator or curatorial team to direct one of the most significant contemporary art biennials in the world and contribute to shaping the future direction of international contemporary art discourse.