Update from Cheongju: October 5th, 2009

The art pieces have arrived, the exhibition is installed, the catalogues are printed and the doors are open. It's official: the Canadian Pavilion at the 2009 Cheongju International Craft Biennale is open to the public, and the show has already garnered international attention and applause. 

Our pavilion has welcomed an appreciative audience with visits from representatives of the media, practising artists and academics of craft from Finland, Ireland, England, Germany, India, China, Thailand, Australia, and of course, Korea and Canada.  University students have toured the space and attended lectures by visiting Canadian artists.

The exhibition has been described as colourful, exciting, enriching,
honest and inspiring. Members of the international have picked up on
the underlying themes, commenting on the high level of inspiration from
nature, the inter-connectivity of communities, and the fact that Canada
is a peaceful country.

Though attendance is down from the 2007 event, the Biennale organizers hope to attract interest in the Canadian exhibition through the Canadian Art Camp and special Canadian Day events set for October 15th, 16th and 17th.  Designed to inspire, the events will feature specially guided tours of the exhibition spaces, lectures by Canadian and Korean artists and academics, performances and demonstrations by Canadian talent and special social events for exchange between Canadians and Koreans.

Stay tuned for more updates on Canada's participation in the Cheongju Biennale!

Image Caption: View of the opening ceremonies, where Canadian Ambassador Ken Lipman presented a speech in English, French and Korean.