The Significance of Biennales, Roles and Influences: Focus on Cheongju International Craft Biennale (CICB)

Abstract

Since the turn of the new millennium Korea has become the land of art related biennales. The reason behind this phenomenon is the role of provincial governments within Korea. Each provincial government at one point in time were literally forced to create a cultural event representing the local culture. Therefore funds were substantially secured once a proposal was suggested. Consequently major international arts and craft events were able to be established. They have played a significant role is influencing the overall development of contemporary arts and craft in Korea. Furthermore they have also implemented international influence to a certain extent, the degree and the type of influence needs to be further analyzed. The two major international biennales focusing on specific materials is the Gyeonggi International Ceramic Biennale (formerly known as the World Ceramic Exposition) and the Cheongju International Craft Biennale. Both biennales are structured to hold special exhibitions and international competitions. The exhibitions focus on specific themes each time they take place often addressing international issues that arise in the contemporary environment. With focus on chosen themes artists and makers are invited to showcase their works. These events are combined together with demonstrative workshops and academic symposiums.
This particular research looks at the mechanism behind organizing such large international events through analysis on location, significance of such an event, the impact on the local community and economy, annual budget for biennales and the effect of investment, and finally the reaction of the local community towards international events. In addition to the basic working structure the research looks at the subjects addressed by the biennales and to examine whether they have been effective in reality. It is also important to address the major craft funding bodies within Korea - Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Commerce, Korea Ceramic Foundation and more.
The research also endeavors to share the current state of craft in Korea with the rest of the world. The craft community within Korea has many divides. There is the nationally designated intangible treasures, the skilled makers (masters), reproduction makers namely those who simply replicate traditional craft, contemporary makers and university educated artist-makers. Linked to these different classification of makers there are also craft related associations and groups. The research hopes to shed light on all the current channels in the craft field of Korea. It hopes to compare and contrast the Korean situation with those of other cultures around the world to study whether certain issues are universal or simply local.

The Cheongju International Craft Biennale 2015 is currently working to collaborate with Professor Malcolm Ferris and "Making Futures" Conference. Therefore the research will contribute to the former China Making Futures Conference simultaneously as establishing an Asian link.