The Busan Biennale is a biannual international contemporary art show that integrated three different art events held in the city in 1998: the Busan Youth Biennale, the first biennale of Korea that was voluntarily organized by local artists in 1981; the Sea Art Festival, an environmental art festival launched in 1987 with the sea serving as a backdrop; and the Busan International Outdoor Sculpture Symposium that was first held in 1991. The biennale was previously called the Pusan International Contemporary Art Festival (PICAF) before it launched.
The biennale has its own unique attribute in that it was formed not out of any political logic or need but rather the pure force of local Busan artists’ will and their voluntary participation. Even to this day their interest in Busan's culture and its experimental nature has been the key foundation for shaping the biennale’s identity.
This biennale is the only one like it in the world that was established through an integration of three types of art events such as a Contemporary Art Exhibition, Sculpture Symposium, and Sea Art Festival. The Sculpture Symposium in particular was deemed to be a successful public art event, the results of which were installed throughout the city and dedicated to revitalizing cultural communication with citizens.The networks formed through the event have assumed a crucial role in introducing and expanding domestic art overseas and leading the development of local culture for globalized cultural communication. Founded 38 years ago, the biennale aims to popularize contemporary art and achieve art in everyday life by providing a platform for interchanging experimental contemporary art.
Busan Biennale 2006
Everywhere
‘Everywhere'
The Busan Biennale 2006 is dedicated to moving beyond the functions and roles of the large-scale international contemporary art exhibition. By opening, widening and breaking artistic 'frames', the Busan Biennale 2006 is giving innovative artists the unique opportunity to escape the constraints of the traditional gallery and fixed art institution, letting their creative powers as never before.
That's why the festival's theme is 'Everywhere'. As the theme implies, artistic expression can be enjoyed everywhere, by everyone, at any time, regardless of one's background, job or situation. In this respect, the festival is encouraging an omnipresent artistic experience, which is not constrained by socially-determined, artificial boundaries of any kind.
To ensure access to artistic experience, the Busan Biennale has been actively canvassing all participants artists, curators, as well as the viewing public-for valuabls feedback, festival co-direction and ongoing support.