The Korean Cultural Center in Hong Kong (KCC) has officially launched its open call for artists and curators for the upcoming 2026 exhibition season. This initiative represents a significant opportunity for Korean creative professionals to showcase their work in Hong Kong's vibrant cultural landscape while fostering international artistic exchange.
The program aims to serve dual purposes: promoting cultural exchange between Korea and Hong Kong through meaningful exhibitions, and introducing outstanding Korean artworks to Hong Kong audiences. The selected artists and curators will have the opportunity to present their work at the Korean Cultural Center's exhibition hall, strategically located in the PMQ heritage building in Central Hong Kong.
The exhibition is planned to run for approximately two months during 2026, with specific dates to be determined and adjusted based on the selected proposals. The venue, situated on the 6th and 7th floors of Block B at PMQ (35 Aberdeen Street, Central), provides a prestigious platform for artistic presentation in one of Hong Kong's premier cultural districts.
Eligibility requirements vary depending on the type of application. Individual artists must hold Korean nationality and demonstrate at least three exhibition experiences in their portfolio. For group applications, collectives must consist of three or more artists, with more than 50% of participating artists being Korean nationals. These groups must present exhibition proposals that either showcase outstanding Korean art or facilitate cultural exchange between Korea and Hong Kong, along with evidence of at least three previous exhibition experiences.
Curators represent another category of eligible applicants and must submit comprehensive exhibition proposals featuring three or more artists. Similar to group applications, more than 50% of the participating artists in curator-led exhibitions must be Korean nationals. The proposals should focus on either presenting exceptional Korean art or promoting cultural dialogue between Korea and Hong Kong. Curators must also demonstrate at least three exhibition curation experiences.
The program welcomes diverse artistic mediums, including fine arts, sculptures, installation works, and media arts. However, due to shipping cost limitations, artists planning to present bulky or heavy works must engage in separate consultations with the KCC to ensure feasibility.
Application materials must be submitted in both Korean and English through the dedicated online platform at opencallkcchk.kr. Required documents include a completed application form (available for download), a comprehensive artist or curator portfolio in PDF format (maximum 20 pages, under 10MB), images of proposed artworks in JPEG format (individual files under 2MB) or video links (maximum 5MB), and detailed exhibition proposals for curator applicants.
The KCC provides substantial support for selected participants, demonstrating the organization's commitment to facilitating successful exhibitions. This support includes providing the exhibition venue at the Korean Cultural Center, complete with the necessary infrastructure for professional presentations. For solo artists, the KCC offers additional curatorial support by grouping selected individual artists into cohesive group exhibitions, ensuring professional presentation standards.
Marketing and promotional support forms a crucial component of the program, with the KCC providing online press materials and comprehensive public relations support to maximize exhibition visibility. Selected participants receive three days of accommodation at PMQ, the heritage building housing the Korean Cultural Center, allowing artists and curators to be present during crucial installation and opening periods.
Shipping support represents one of the most valuable aspects of the program, with the KCC covering artwork transportation costs up to approximately 13 million Korean won. This substantial financial support removes one of the primary barriers for international exhibition participation. Additionally, the center covers production costs for leaflets and promotional materials, including posters and other marketing collateral.
The program includes an opening reception to celebrate each exhibition, though the KCC notes that this event may be subject to situational adjustments. Curators are required to attend the opening ceremony, while participating artists must ensure a minimum 50% attendance rate. For example, in exhibitions featuring three artists, at least two must be present at the opening event.
Successful applicants assume specific responsibilities as part of their participation. Curators and artist groups must produce leaflets and promotional materials, including posters and other marketing items. All participants are expected to actively participate in exhibition installation processes and attend opening receptions, ensuring their direct involvement in all aspects of the exhibition process.
The selection process maintains high professional standards through an external jury system. Qualified curators and visual arts professionals review all applications before voting to determine finalists. This rigorous evaluation process ensures that selected proposals meet the program's artistic and cultural exchange objectives.
Winners will receive notification via email in early November 2023, providing ample time for preparation and planning. The application deadline is set for September 30, 2025, at 23:59 Hong Kong Time, giving potential applicants sufficient time to prepare comprehensive proposals.
Interested artists and curators can find additional information at hk.korean-culture.org/en/1071/board/682/read/138643, while inquiries should be directed to opencallkcchk.kr. This comprehensive program represents a significant opportunity for Korean artists and curators to expand their international presence while contributing to meaningful cultural dialogue between Korea and Hong Kong.
