Open Call
Austrian Pavilion at the 16th Gwangju Biennale, South Korea, 2026
Phileas – The Austrian Office for Contemporary Art is welcoming applications for the concept and realisation of the Austrian Pavilion at the 16th Gwangju Biennale in 2026. Since 2018, the Gwangju Biennale has hosted national pavilions and satellite exhibitions by international art institutions in various cultural venues across the city alongside the main exhibition. As part of the 16th Gwangju Biennale in 2026, the participation of Austria will be presented at the Eunam Museum of Art.
The project is commissioned by Phileas – The Austrian Office for Contemporary Art and jointly funded with a grant from the Federal Ministry for Housing, Arts, Culture, Media and Sport.
"The Gwangju Biennale in South Korea is one of the most important art events in Asia. Following the successful debut of the Austrian Pavilion in 2024, a curatorial concept is now once again being sought for the realization of Austria's participation at the Gwangju Biennale in 2026. I am delighted that Austria will also be represented at the upcoming edition, further consolidating our cultural presence in Asia. The fact that the Gwangju Biennale has its origins in the democratisation movement shows once again how closely free art and free democracy are linked. I am looking forward to receiving diverse and convincing submissions," says Andreas Babler, Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister for Housing, Arts, Culture, Media and Sport.
Initiated by Phileas - The Austrian Office for Contemporary Art, and in collaboration with the Federal Ministries for Housing, Arts, Culture, Media and Sport as well as for European and International Affairs, and the Austrian Embassy in Seoul, artist Liesl Raff designed the first Austrian pavilion at the Gwangju Biennale in 2024 under the title Club Liaison. Following its success and international visibility, Raff's expansive, sculptural installation entered the collection of the mumok – Museum moderner Kunst Stiftung Ludwig Wien.
For further information, more detailed funding criteria and to submit an application, click here.
City View of Gwangju, South Korea