Forum debates changes in the global art business

Prominent figures from the global art world such as Sir Nicholas Serota, director of the Tate in Britain, and Okwui Enwezor, head of Haus der Kunst in Munich, are gathering in Korea to discuss the evolution of art museums and biennale exhibitions, along with changes in artistic media.

The discussions will be held in the forum “Expanding Experiences in Art,” co-hosted by the Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art and the Gwangju Biennale Foundation in celebration of the museum’s 10th anniversary and the biennial’s 20th.

Sessions one and two will take place at the Leeum in central Seoul today while sessions three and four will be held at the Gwangju Biennale Gesigi Hall in Gwangju on Thursday.

The first session is about the new role of art museums, which now focus on educating and communicating with visitors.

Serota will give a keynote speech while National Museum of Korea Director Kim Youngna will hold a discussion with Enwezor and Richard Armstrong, director of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and Museum in New York.

In the second session, chaired by Leeum Deputy Director Hong Ra-young, the development of digital art and technology and their effect on museums will be debated. Participants will include Amit Sood, founder of the Google Art Project.

The third session is centered on international exhibitions, including biennales. Germano Celant, director of the Prada Foundation in Milan, will chair the discussion while Chung Hyung-min, head of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, and other experts will deliberate the issues.

Session four discusses the role of art sponsors. Lee Yong-woo, president of the Gwangju Biennale Foundation; Dai Zhikang, chairman of the Shanghai Zendai Investment Group; and other experts will share their opinions.

By moon so-young [symoon@joongang.co.kr]