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.
1. Project Overview
1.1. 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.
1.2. Name of the Exhibition: Busan Biennale 2026
1.3. Exhibition Period: August – November 2026 (date to be finalized)
1.4. Venue: The Busan Museum of Contemporary Art (main venue), along with additional venues to be designated by the Busan Biennale Organizing Committee.
1.5. Number of Participants: Up to 60 artists (including artist groups) from Korea and abroad
1.6. 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
1.7. Hosted by the Busan Metropolitan City and the Busan Biennale Organizing Committee
1.8. Organized by the Busan Biennale Organizing Committee
2. Open Call Overview
- Position Title: Artistic Director of the Busan Biennale 2026
- Open Call Period: May 2 – June 1, 2025, by 11:59 PM (GMT+9, KST), 31 days
- Number of Positions Available: One person or one team from either a domestic or international background
- Employment Type: Non-full-time
- Contract Term: Until December 2026
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
4.1. 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
4.2. General duties related to PR and sponsorship
4.3. 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.
5. Application Information
5.1. Open Call Timeline
- Application Period: May 2 – June 1, 2025, by 11:59 PM (GMT+9, KST), 31 days
- Announcement of the Shortlisted Candidates for Interviews: By Thursday, June 12, 2025
- Final Selection Announcement: Within July 2025
5.2. Required Documents: Completed application form, including the Consent to the Collection and Use of Personal Information.
*The application form must be submitted in MS Word format (.doc, .docx)
5.3. How to Submit: Please email the completed application form to apply@busanbiennale.org
*The file name must include the applicant’s name.
5.4. How to Fill Out the Application
- Follow the instructions provided in the application form.
- Additional materials beyond the required documents will not be reviewed or considered.
5.5. Selection Procedures
- Application Review: June 2 – 11, 2025
- Announcement of the Shortlisted Candidates for Interviews: By Thursday, June 12, 2025
- Interviews: Wednesday, June 18, 2025
*Consecutive interpretation will be provided during the interview.
*Please note that the interview schedule is subject to change under certain circumstances.
6. Notes
- Only successful applicants will be notified by email; unsuccessful applicants will not receive separate notification.
- Shortlisted candidates must participate in an online interview on the date specified by the Committee.
- Applicants are fully responsible for any consequences resulting from non-compliance with the requirements, providing incorrect information, or omissions.
- Applicants who provide false or misleading information may be excluded from the selection process.
- Failure to comply with the required file format or application form may result in disqualification.
Therefore, applicants are strongly advised to refer to the instructions and examples in the form provided before submission. - For any further inquiries, please refer to the website (http://www.busanbiennale.org) or reach out to apply@busanbiennale.org
Image credits: Exhibition view of Busan Biennale 2024 ⓒBusan Biennale Organizing Committee. All rights reserved.
