Artistic Director of the 17th Gwangju Biennale
Location: Gwangju, South Korea
Position: Artistic Director, 17th Gwangju Biennale
Eligibility: Open to Korean and international curators (individuals or teams)
Application Deadline: 3 August 2026, 18:00 (KST)
Contract Period: From the date of contract to December 2028
Exhibition Opening: September 2028 (tentative)
About the Opportunity
Since its launch in 1995, the Gwangju Biennale has become a leading global platform for contemporary art, driving critical discourse and international dialogue. Each edition collaborates with internationally recognised artistic directors to explore urgent social issues and present influential contemporary art practices.
The Gwangju Biennale Foundation is now seeking a new Artistic Director to shape the next chapter of its history. The Foundation welcomes applications from art professionals in Korea and around the world.
About the 17th Gwangju Biennale
Exhibition Period: September 2028 (tentative)
Venues: Gwangju Biennale Exhibition Hall and selected sites throughout Gwangju (subject to curatorial planning)
Organised by: Gwangju Biennale Foundation and Gwangju Metropolitan City
Position Details
Employment Type: Commissioned, non-resident (full-time residency may be required as the event progresses)
Contract Period: From the date of contract to December 2028
Number of Appointments: One individual or team
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
The Foundation is seeking:
- A visionary and action-oriented leader capable of accumulating and expanding the region’s cultural assets based on the pride and identity of Gwangju, while fostering future generations of local artistic directors.
- An expert who can redefine the Biennale’s role in advancing contemporary art and take the lead in identifying and addressing key issues in today’s art world.
- A strategist who can strengthen the unique brand value and international standing of the Gwangju Biennale, deeply rooted in the identity of the city and the institution.
- A proactive innovator who can actively drive practical and transformative solutions for major institutional agendas, including the publicity and marketing of the Gwangju Biennale.
- A cultural practitioner who can balance artistic value with public and cultural value while expanding communication and engagement with a global audience.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following documents in English:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Intent / Personal Statement
- Portfolio of Curatorial and Professional Activities
- Preliminary Exhibition / Curatorial Proposal for the 17th Gwangju Biennale
- Two Letters of Recommendation
How to apply
Complete the required application forms and submit them via email to gb17@gwangjubiennale.org.
Application Period: 8 June 2026, 18:00 (KST) – 3 August 2026, 18:00 (KST)
Applications received after the deadline will be excluded from the evaluation process.
Results
The selected Artistic Director will be notified individually.
The final result will also be announced through the official channels of the Gwangju Biennale Foundation.
Image: Pansori: A Soundscape of the 21st Century (2024). Courtesy The Gwangju Biennale Foundation.
