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Taiwan Pavilion Opens at Gwangju Biennale After Naming Dispute, China Withdrawal

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The Taiwan Pavilion has opened at the Gwangju Biennale in South Korea after a dispute over its name. Organizers had initially labeled it the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts instead of the agreed name "Taiwan," prompting weeks of controversy before the name was reinstated. China's delegation has withdrawn from the art show in protest.

Taiwan Pavilion Opens at Gwangju Biennale

REPORTER:  
Taiwanese artists are welcoming the opening of the Taiwan Pavilion at the Gwangju Biennale, after a naming dispute saw China drop out.

Controversy began when organizers named the pavilion the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, instead of the agreed name “Taiwan”. After weeks of dispute, Taiwanese delegates have praised international artists and residents of Gwangju in South Korea for helping reinstate the name “Taiwan”. China’s delegation has withdrawn from the art show in protest.

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Taiwanese Artists Celebrate in Gwangju

REPORTER:  
Taiwanese artists welcomed the opening of the Taiwan Pavilion at the Gwangju Biennale after a naming dispute that saw China pull out.

Artists said they were prepared to pull out if the Taiwan Pavilion name was not restored. They credited support from international artists and local residents for helping secure the change. They said the outcome reflected the "Gwangju Spirit," rooted in the city's 1980 pro-democracy uprising. The pavilion had initially been listed under a museum name instead of "Taiwan." China later withdrew after the name was restored.