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Gwangju Biennale's 'Taiwan Pavilion' Renamed; Joseph Wu Vows Continued Negotiations for Resolution

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The 'Taiwan Pavilion' at the Gwangju Biennale in South Korea was renamed by organizers, sparking diplomatic intervention.
  • Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively engaged in negotiations to reinstate the original name.
  • The incident raises concerns about cultural freedom and adherence to agreements for the upcoming exhibition.

The 'Taiwan Pavilion' at the upcoming 16th Gwangju Biennale, scheduled to open in South Korea on September 5, has been renamed by the event's organizers, prompting diplomatic efforts from Taiwan. The National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts was set to participate under the banner 'Taiwan Pavilion,' marking Taiwan's first official presence at the biennale.

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Culture are continuously paying attention and assisting in negotiations, including with the Gwangju city government and the organizers.

— Joseph WuMinister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu detailing diplomatic efforts.

However, the Gwangju Biennale Foundation unilaterally changed the name to 'NTMOFA' in promotional materials, effectively removing 'Taiwan' from the exhibition's listings. Taiwan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joseph Wu, stated on August 19 that his ministry, along with the Ministry of Culture, is closely monitoring the situation and actively assisting in negotiations.

Wu emphasized that the event should proceed according to the established agreements. He expressed hope for a proper resolution that aligns with the biennale's original purpose. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is advocating for the event to be held as agreed, stressing the importance of cultural and artistic freedom.

This case involves cultural and artistic freedom, and there was an agreement at the time. Therefore, regarding the unauthorized change of name, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will strongly negotiate to ensure the event proceeds according to the agreement.

— Joseph WuExplaining Taiwan's stance on the name change and the importance of adhering to agreements.

"This case involves cultural and artistic freedom, and there was an agreement at the time," Wu said. "Therefore, regarding the unauthorized change of name, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will strongly negotiate to ensure the event proceeds according to the agreement." He added that given the historical significance of Gwangju as a center for democracy, freedom, and human rights movements in South Korea, it is crucial that the biennale upholds its intended spirit.

We hope this matter can be properly resolved and does not go against the purpose of holding the Gwangju Biennale.

— Joseph WuExpressing hope for a positive resolution to the naming dispute.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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