finally the day arrived when KUNSTHALLE GWANGJU kicked off on 12 may its pre-opening as part of 'The Flower of May' art exhibition.

KUNSTHALLE GWANGJU is a part of the Asia Culture Complex (ACC), which is set up by the Office of Hub City of Asian Culture (HCAC) initiated by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The site of the famous citizen plaza in Gwangju has special historical meaning to the people of Gwangju for it is the main scene of the unforgettable and cruel event of 5.18, the beginning of the democratization of Korea. Nowadays the plaza is the symbol of spirit of democracy, human rights and peace. The location also serves as a bustling center of gwangju.

The ACC as the main facility of HCAC will be designed and built based on the idea to represent the following three concepts:
- a landmark of the HCAC
- a symbolic edifice reflecting the spirit of Gwangju
- a venue for daily enjoyment of culture for the general public

until its completion in 2014, KUNSTHALLE GWANGJU will function as a spearhead to the whole project and give the opportunity to previously experience the cultural development of gwangju as the new Hub City of Asian Culture.

different from any other existing architecture, the building attracts with the 29 piled up containers boxes in a structure of a quadratic cube, while the inside, which can be used as a concert hall or exhibition space, is simple and solid. KUNSTHALLE GWANGJU will be divided into several spaces. the video screen on the 3rd floor that can be seen from outside will attract the eyes of the audience. inside there will be a multifunctional space, the “art yard” as an outdoor concert stage, the art library with culture related publications and the art lounge as a place where people can meet and talk. all the spaces are designed in an experimental and flexible way so that diverse cultural contents can be presented freely different than in the usual white-cube-style museum.

KUNSTHALLE GWANGJU can be seen as an independent art project itself. the concept and program involves artists, visitors and the team to interact with each other. this creates new questions, interesting tensions and inspiring moments. cultural development will be experienced by new art strategies which pose questions of contemporary life and a global society. KUNSTHALLE GWANGJU will invite korean, asian and global artists to perform interaction art and develop new local aspects according to the city and citizens of gwangju.

GRAND OPENING ON 30 & 31 JULY

after finishing the construction, KUNSTHALLE GWANGJU will be officially opened on 30 and 31 July and start impressively with a lively cultural event. during the two days a multifaceted program and parties will take place, including an exhibition of the ACC showcase of PLATOON cultural development as well as live performances with local artists, outdoor movie screenings and parties with djs and vjs. furthermore, from 2 to 28 August the ACC showcase exhibition, diverse exhibitions and talks about cultural activities in gwangju with live performances are in preparation. every saturday night there will be movie screenings with following dj/vj afterparties.

▶ open house program from 2 to 28 august:
- guided tours
- ACC showcase exhibition: ACC cultural contents and program
- exhibition on ‘PLATOON cultural development‘
- outdoor bbq: place where all participants can enjoy food and talk
- outdoor movie nights: movie screenings in the art yard
- ‘culture of gwangju’: presentation of activities and projects by local cultural organizations and people with live performances
- afterparty with djs and vjs

※ opening hours: tue – thu 10 am – 8 pm, fri – sun 10 am – 12 am (closed on mondays)

visit our new website: www.kunsthalle-gwangju.com