Art Takes Center Stage: Busan Biennale 2026 Gets New Curators!

Curators Amal Khalaf and Evelyn Simons to Head Busan Biennale 2026

The Busan Biennale 2026, South Korea’s second-largest art event, is set to take place under the leadership of curators Amal Khalaf and Evelyn Simons. Scheduled from September to November next year, this edition promises to be a significant cultural occasion.

Khalaf is a well-known figure in the international art scene. She recently concluded her role as co‐curator for the 16th Sharjah Biennale in June and previously co‐curated the Bahrain Pavilion at the 2019 Venice Biennale. The London-based curator shows no signs of slowing down; according to the Busan Biennale Organizing Committee, Khalaf is already planning an event for Bangkok this October—a video art festival titled “Ghost 2568: Wish We Were Here.”

The selection of the ideal curators was a challenging process. In May, the committee issued an open call for the 13th Busan Biennale, inviting proposals from visionary individuals capable of blending local characteristics with a global perspective. Approximately 70 individuals and collectives from Korea and beyond responded, underscoring the art world’s strong interest in such a cultural intersection.

When asked about the expectations for this curatorial partnership, Lee Joon, the executive director of the organizing committee, stated: “Their proposal, ‘Dissident Chorus,’ resonated strongly with the jury. It addresses major themes—memory, empathy, care, resistance, and solidarity—with the aim of fostering global collective healing. This is art with a purposeful mission.”

For those interested in the Busan Biennale’s history, the 2024 edition curated by Vera Mey and Philippe Pirotte, which explored the theme “Seeing in the Dark,” serves as a notable example. With Khalaf and Simons now at the helm, expectations are high for how they will further illuminate the art world in 2026.