Taiwan Pavilion Renaming Sparks Censorship Dispute at Gwangju Biennale

The 16th Gwangju Biennale is embroiled in a naming dispute after the Biennale Foundation referred to Taiwan's involvement as the 'NTMoFA Pavilion' rather than the 'Taiwan Pavilion.' This decision has drawn criticism from curators, artists, and Taiwan's Ministry of Culture, who labeled it as 'political censorship.' On August 15, ten curators released a statement asserting that their proposal was initially accepted as 'Taiwan Pavilion' but was altered without their approval. Taiwan's Ministry of Culture raised objections on August 9 and reiterated its position on August 17, noting that NTMoFA applied under 'Taiwan Pavilion' and had a signed agreement from April 23. The Gwangju Biennale Foundation responded on August 19, stating that NTMoFA is registered as an institution and rejecting claims of political censorship, while expressing a wish for constructive dialogue.