#South Korea #Biennale 2025 #Cheongju #Cheongju Craft #Ahn Eunsun

Cheongju Craft Biennale 2025: A Closing Celebration of Art and Community

The Cheongju Craft Biennale 2025, themed "Building the World Re_Crafting Tomorrow," has reached a triumphant conclusion after captivating audiences for 60 days. Hosted in Cheongju, South Korea, this year's Biennale has seen unprecedented attendance, with over 400,000 visitors converging to celebrate craft and the creativity it inspires.

Held within the culturally rich setting of the Culture Factory, the Biennale marked its closing ceremony on November 2nd, 2025. The event was a star-studded affair, attracting over 300 attendees, including key figures such as the Mayor of Cheongju, Lee Beomseok, and various cultural influencers. The atmosphere was electric, filled with performances that encapsulated the energy and diversity of the event. The drumbeats of the Cheongju City Dance Company kicked off the festivities, followed by a vibrant dance showcase by Viva Dance Studio, all culminating in a video tribute that looked back on the monumental achievements of the past two months.

One of the highlights was the Audience Choice Award, determined by the votes of 2,400 visitors who explored 99 art pieces throughout the Biennale. Ahn Eunsun, whose textile artwork titled "Breath, Rainforest Landscape_2503" secured the Grand Prize, expressed her gratitude, emphasizing the importance of audience connection in completing the artistic experience. "This award has profound significance for me, as it reflects the sentiments of the visitors who engaged with my work. Art finds its completion in the empathy of the audience," she remarked during the award presentation.

The scale and scope of the Cheongju Craft Biennale were remarkable. Spanning 60 days, it was the longest in its history, with contributions from 72 countries and hosting simultaneous exhibitions in multiple venues. Featuring over 2,500 art pieces created by 1,300 artists, including 12 affiliated exhibitions from several national and private art museums, the event provided a rich tapestry of global craftsmanship.

The theme "Building the World Re_Crafting Tomorrow" resonated throughout the Biennale, pushing a reflective discourse on the value of craftsmanship amid an era characterized by excessive consumerism and environmental challenges. Many artworks served as poignant reminders of the contemporary issues that confront society today. For instance, works like Hong Limhoe's "Black Mountain" addressed the scars left by wildfires, while Katiya Trabulsi’s and Yudi Sulistyo’s art highlighted the dire consequences of war. Suzy Vickery's enchanting "Sea Series" reinvented narratives around waste, presenting a blend of beauty and urgency.

Experts and audiences alike praised the Biennale for posing critical questions about human existence, sustainability, and the intricacies of community connection in times of technological advancement. "In a world where technology often replaces human touch, the Biennale offers essential insights and solutions that challenge our understanding of craft, humanity, and climate resilience," noted a prominent art curator.

The positive reception generated not only on-site during the Biennale but also across social media platforms further solidified its success, propelling attendance well beyond the goal of 350,000. With photo opportunities that captivated visitors, word-of-mouth spread like wildfire, adding to the excitement.

During its 60-day journey, the Cheongju Craft Biennale received visits from noteworthy figures, including former President Moon Jae-in and numerous international dignitaries. Their presence underscored the global recognition and relevance of the event, illustrating Cheongju's growing status as a cultural hub. Interest from various institutions worldwide initiated dialogues for future collaborations, marking Cheongju as an influential player in the craft and arts community.

The Biennale's success can be partly attributed to the collective effort of citizens, local organizations, cultural institutions, and corporate partnerships. With support from the Korean government, local educational institutions, and collaborations with art museums and corporations like Hyundai, the Biennale succeeded in weaving cultural threads throughout the region. Innovative projects, such as the Children's Biennale, achieved 100% reservation and introduced engaging educational experiences alongside traditional art presentations.

The Culture Factory, a former tobacco manufacturing plant, served as the main exhibition venue, symbolizing a remarkable transformation in Cheongju's cultural landscape. Its redevelopment into a state-of-the-art cultural space reflects the city's potential to shape and foster artistic growth.

Looking ahead, the impact of the Cheongju Craft Biennale is far from over. As the event closes, the spirit of the Biennale will embark on a touring exhibition, extending its reach to India and the UK in 2026 and 2027. This initiative signals an ongoing commitment to fostering cross-cultural dialogue and engagement through crafts. Mayor Lee Beomseok articulated this sentiment, expressing, "The success of this year's Biennale exemplifies Cheongju's dedication to elevating the role of crafts in society. Although this chapter has concluded, our journey as a leader in showcasing the importance of craft is just beginning."

The Cheongju Craft Biennale 2025 has undoubtedly left a profound legacy, blending craftsmanship with urgent societal narratives, and inspiring a collective vision for a more sustainable and connected future. As the world awaits the arrival of the next Biennale in 2027, the stage is set for continued exploration and celebrations of the art of craft.