The 3rd Gwangju Design Biennale (GDB) will be held from September 18th to November 4th; this year’s theme: “The Clue – All That Can Be Desired”. Combining the fundamentals of human life with design, this year’s concept ‘Perfect design is enacted in human actions’, sets out to reevaluate the truism ‘think globally and act locally’ by examining five examples of traditional Korean culture. The sub-themes of the biennale, ‘Clothing, Eating, Living, Enlightening and Enjoying’ are five human actions that form the basis of a harmonious life.

  Gwangju is striving to be a ‘Hub city of Asian culture’ and has intensively fostered design as a strategic industry since 2004. The GDB has been regarded as one way of realizing its slogan, Design City. However, is it a feasible plan? How relevant is the Design Biennale to the everyday lives of Gwangjuites? As most have never heard of it, can it really be considered a success? Furthermore the GDB’s role remains unclear. Is it for culture or industry? According to the city government’s annual plan, design forms an important part for the ‘capital of culture’, its regional economy and urban development. That is, the city government wants to catch three birds with one stone. It sounds ambitious but also ambiguous. It looks like the city government is hovering on the brink of a decision, trying to obtain the benefits of culture and the benefits of industry simultaneously. The goal is ambiguous and in need of clarification.

  When it comes to culture, the GDB is the main project for inaugurating international festivals in Gwangju. Hosting international events allows the city to widen its cultural infrastructure. This will lead to a richer cultural metropolis and draw worldwide attention. It could very well be a cornerstone for Gwangju as a ‘Hub of Asian culture’. Ironically, though the GDB is meant to introduce Gwangju to the world, a month before opening, most Gwanjuites are unaware of the event. Worse, many have never even heard of the GDB even though this is the third edition of the festival. The lack of publicity threatens to make this International festival a minor local event. Furthermore, Gwangjuites may not have the time or the money to enjoy it properly.. What is the benefit of building a cultural centre before an interest in culture is established in the city? Shouldn’t a “Hub of culture” have an engaged and culturally active citizenry?

  Industry, however, can benefit. Gwangju will develop an image as a design city by inaugurating the GDB. Developing design technology is becoming a key area of future competitiveness. That’s why Gwangju has designated it as one of its strategic industries. Before considering the connection between industry and the GDB, we need to examine the photonics industry. It can be a good example of a leading industry. In order to provide a turning point in regional development and promote photonics in the global marketplace, Gwangju will host the Gwangju World Photonics Expo, from Oct. 9th to Nov. 5th2009. In short, building a promising industry for the regional economy is the primary goal and a relevant event is a good ‘helper’. Compared to the photonics industry, however, the plans for the design industry are vague. Is the priority industry or culture?

  Gwangju has everything it needs to become a “cultural, economic and fascinating city”. However, in order for the GDB to achieve this, the city government should make its target clear. What is the biennale for? Industry and economy or culture and leisure? Once it has found its focus, the GDB can not only improve the design industry but also develop as a cultural activity for Gwangju’s citizens. Additionally, the biennale can be used to develop the city’s panorama with stylish architectural designs. If you were asked whether you preferred to invest in another cultural center or in developing cultural talent, which would you choose? I hope the Gwangju Design Biennale is the springboard to a better future for the city and its citizens.

By Jang Min, Guest Reporter
#286 Opinion

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