Gwangju Biennale 2026

The 16th edition of the Gwangju Biennale, Asia’s oldest and one of the most prestigious contemporary art biennales, will take place from September 5 to November 15, 2026, in Gwangju, South Korea. Founded in 1995, the biennale was established in memory of the democratic spirit and civil resistance of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, and has since become a major international platform for contemporary art and cultural exchange.

Titled “You Must Change Your Life,” the 2026 edition is directed by Ho Tzu Nyen and brings together a diverse group of international artists whose practices explore questions of transformation, society, history, and contemporary life. Through exhibitions and multi-site presentations, the biennale creates a space for dialogue between different artistic perspectives and cultural contexts.

Over the years, the Gwangju Biennale has developed into an influential hub for visual arts in Asia, attracting artists, curators, collectors, researchers, and art enthusiasts from around the world. Its expanding program of exhibitions and pavilion projects further strengthens Gwangju’s position as an important destination for contemporary art and cultural exchange.

The Gwangju Biennale 2026 offers visitors an opportunity to experience ambitious contemporary art while engaging with the historical and cultural significance of Gwangju and its enduring legacy of democracy, resistance, and social change.