Gwangju Biennale Venue Denies Permission for 'Taiwan Pavilion' Name, Sparking Dispute

A dispute has emerged surrounding Taiwan's participation in the Gwangju Biennale, with the venue management and the Biennale Foundation reportedly refusing to permit the use of "Taiwan Pavilion" in official promotions. This has cast uncertainty over Taiwan's presence at the prestigious art event.

Taiwan's Ministry of Culture stated on August 25 that the Gwangju Biennale Foundation has not agreed to the use of "Taiwan Pavilion" in its promotional materials. Furthermore, the management of the exhibition venue, the National Asian Culture Center, has also denied permission for the name to be used.

This situation has led to confusion and a stalemate, with the exact nature of the dispute and the resolution remaining unclear. The controversy highlights the complexities of international cultural exchanges and the political sensitivities that can arise, particularly concerning the naming conventions for national representations.