1. The Main Pavilion Seminars will focus on the Biennale's course through the preceding ten years while looking ahead to what changes may to come in the decade ahead.

Professor Ihnbum Lee of SangMyung University has been nominated by the committee as supervisor of the 2009 Biennale. Professor Lee began his career as the Curator of Seoul's National Museum of Modern Art and has contributed continuously since to the development of criticism, theory, education and practice in the milieu of Korean contemporary art. Korean arts and crafts have benefited particularly during his recent supervision of the Chiwoo Craft Museum in Seoul.

The title of the 2009 Cheongju Craft Biennale, 'Outside the Box,' looks forward to the self-awakening of Arts and Crafts in a period of decline, disruption, and isolation from other sectors of the new global arena of art. It is the mission of the Biennale to restore the standing of arts and crafts in the world and re-define and establish its worth and potential.

A consideration of the whole range of disciplines that is art & crafts, and of the materials and methods that gave rise to them, is necessary to stimulate imaginative proposals for intercommunion with painting and sculpture architecture and literature; theatre and film; music and dance even horticulture and floriculture. This will be the basis of discourse for the many professionals attending the international seminar. As we have passed through the industrial and the post-industrial age, the sundering of man from nature has been correlative to the fragmentation of both life and art yet in the arts, all corners of the world may meet. We will set out to demonstrate the value and necessity of arts and crafts to all human life the political, the economic, the social, the cultural, and the spiritual.

The 6th Cheongju International Craft Competition: One of the most significant changes to the 2009 Biennale is that entry to our international competition will be open across all craft disciplines, techniques and materials. We would welcome a comprehensive range of submitted works.

The Fair: Another major project will be the craft fair. The good craftwork finds its own place in the life of its owner. Its beauty corresponds to its usefulness. This principle is central to our manifesto. Our International Craft Fair is open to technicians, studios and galleries from the world over, and will provide a practicable model for the global craft market the meeting place of producer and consumer.

The Pavilion of Canada: Invitation The 2007 Biennale featured the Italian Pavilion by special invitation. In 2009 it will be the turn of the Canadians, who will honour our event with amplitude of indigenous cultures represented in their display of Canadian artifacts. Thus the pavilion display will underscore the theme of interchange between art, nature and humanity.

Others: There will be many additional events involving music, dance, food, literature and other activities conducive to meetings and discussion. Visitors will be able to avail themselves of the hospitality of artists and craftsman by means of our home stay programme. We hope they will derive special interest and enjoyment not only from the Biennale itself but the glorious spectacle of the Korean autumn from the historic city of Cheongju. I look forward to welcoming you all at the Cheongju International Craft Biennale in 2009.

2. Fine Craft & Cultural Tour 2009
September 18 – October 1, 2009

The Canadian Crafts Federation, provincial craft councils and partner organizations proudly present a unique 14 day cultural tour of South Korea. With a focus on fine craft and cultural traditions, this tour is a once in a lifetime experience. Travel with fellow Canadians interested in craft and cultural practices, network with artists, academics, and gallery owners, and connect to the many cultural organizations in Korea. A special tour highlight includes a visit to the Cheongju International Craft Biennale, the largest fine craft event of its kind with work from over 40 nations. Canada is the featured guest country for 2009, showcasing contemporary Canadian fine craft. Part of the proceeds raised by the tour will support Canadian participation in the Biennale.

8 days in Seoul
3 days in Cheongju
1 day in Icheon

Cheongju International Craft Biennale, Opening Ceremonies & Canadian Festivities, Changdeokgung Palace, National Folk Museum, Mt. Namsan Seoul Tower, Han River Cruise, Korean Craft Council, Street Markets and shopping, Yongmunsa Temple, Icheon Ceramic Village, Korean Craft Museum, Early Printing Museum, Bukchon Hanok Village walking tour, Contemporary Studio Visits, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, Traditional and Modern Korean Cuisine etc. Optional post-tour extensions include a traditional hanok experience in Korea, or travel to Japan, Thailand, Singapore, or China. (Note: 2 days of travel to/from Korea)

$4,087 from Calgary/Edmonton
$3,907 from Vancouver
$4,325 from Toronto
$4,415 from Halifax

*Cost per person based on double occupancy includes air travel, hotel, select meals and taxes.
*Excludes tips and other personal spending. Other departure points available upon request.

$100 early bird discount
Early Bird booking deadline: December 31, 2008

For more information, visit www.canadiancraftsfederation.ca or contact koreatour@canadiancraftsfederation.ca or 506-444-3315.
For Booking/Reservations : contact Joyce Lui at Mimi Holidays Inc. at 604-232-4080 or 1-866-918-4080 or email info@mimiholidays.com.
Tour details see www.mimiholidays.com/packages/CICB_2009.pdf.

3. Projects for Cheongju International Craft Biennale
September - November 2009


An Exhibition-based Experience, using craft objects and text and image material, that presents a wide range of other craft features such as schools, institutions, single media organizations, destinations, etc. For example, some of the Alberta features could be ACC, ACAD, Series, Medalta, Aboriginal Tourism, etc.

The Cheongju International Craft Biennale Competition - open to metal, ceramic, wood and lacquer work, textiles, and others (glass, stone, bamboo, leather etc.) and all artists; individual or group works regardless of nationality, age, or sex. Awards include a Grande Prize (1) of $30,000 - includes the purchase of the artwork, trophy and citation; a Gold Prize (4) $10,000 - Includes the purchase of the artwork, trophy and citation; Silver Prize (5) $5,000 - Includes the purchase of the artwork, trophy and citation; Bronze Prize (5) $3,000 - Includes the purchase of the artwork, trophy and citation; Special Citation (Several for each category) - Citation Honorable Mention (Many for each category) - Citation The monetary award for the bronze prize and above includes the purchase of the artwork. Taxes will be with held at source. The prize winning artworks for the bronze prize and above shall become the property of the Organizing Committee. Foreign artists winning the bronze prize and above will be invited to the award ceremony (air fare and accommodation expenses will be paid). Watch the CCF website for the full competition call for entry www.canadiancraftsfederation.ca.

Other Projects to watch for:
- CICB Canadian tour - 14 day hosted tour of Korean fine craft and culture in Seoul and Cheongju
- a national market place to present and sell work by 100 to 200 craft artists (at least 10 to 20 Albertans)
- CICB Symposium, a major conference which will include some Canadian curators, academics, etc.
- Canada Day at the Biennale


Other projects are developing in conjunction with the Biennale organization. The Cheongju International Craft Biennale is one of the largest fine craft events in the world. In 2007 it attracted 560,000 visitors, offered competition prizes worth up to $30,000 and operated with a budget of about $6 million. The 2009 Biennale has been expanded to about 40 days.

4. Call for Entry

Outside the Box - Main Theme

As the theme for the 2009 Biennale, 'Outside the Box' proposes that craft be considered or approached as a collective whole, rather than as a series of fragmentary and contending disciplines. To think outside the box, as the phrase goes in the West, is to transcend conditions and boundaries through the human faculty of imagination.

'Outside the Box' is where the state of integration becomes attainable; where meetings become possible. The practice of craft is intrinsically the intercommunion between mankind and the immensity of nature. This is a substantializing principle in which all arts and crafts were once unified. What we term craft, as much as any art form, should in itself have the power to unify and represent all human values, in the here and now. To embrace an integrated world, both craftsman and fine artist must think across the spurious divisions of our times, and these reflections should inform the work itself.

The application process:
Application forms are available online until Monday June 15, 2009 at the official website: www.cheongjubiennale.or.kr or www.okcj.org ?

1st Reception: Images (Period: June 12 - 22, 2009)
2nd Reception: Real Works (Period: August 3 - 14, 2009)
Participation Fees: None
Initial selection: June 26 - July9, 2009 (results- July14, 2009)
Final assessment: August 17 - 20, 2009 (results- August 25, 2009)

The Work
In accordance with the theme, craft entries for the sixth international craft competition will not be categorised by area or specialism. Up to two works may be submitted per application. The maximum dimensions of each work including the sum of its components or separate parts will be 200cm°ø200cm for works in two dimensions, and 150cm°ø150cm°ø150cm for works in three dimensions. Works may constitute either natural or synthetic materials in any combination.

Shipping and Handling
Applicants are responsible for all costs incurred in transporting items to the committee office at the address below. Arrangements for and costs of the return of the items to the applicant are the responsibility of the committee. Each piece of work should be packed with care and attention to prevent damage. Multiple items should be packed individually. Packaging material will be re-used for the return of the items. Overseas applicants must ensure adequate arrangements with their carrier for the complete delivery of their work to the address below. The committee will not undertake to recover items that are retained for any purpose at the international port of entry, and will not be responsible for expenses pertaining to customs clearance or other charges. Applicants should seek advice from the carrier or delivery services. Submitted items not selected by the committee for exhibition will be returned to applicants within a maximum of 6 months from the exhibition closing date (before 30th April 2010).

Insurance
The applicant will be responsible for insuring all work during its conveyance to the Biennale committee office. The committee will provide insurance cover for all work in its possession and during the return journey of works to the applicant's address. The applicant should clearly state the insurance value of their items on the application form.

The Prizes
There will be 26 prizes to include a total of $110,000 in cash:
- First Prize of $30,000
- 5 'Outside the box' Special Awards of $8,000
- 5 Merit Awards of $5,000
- 15 'Craft Ideal' Awards of $1,000

Certificates will also be awarded to approximately 150 runners-up

The Award Ceremony Time : 18:00 ~ 20:00 Wednesday September 23, 2009 at the Event Hall in The Cheongju Arts Center

The Exhibition of competition winners and runners-up September 23 - November 1,2009 Venue at the Special Exhibition Room of the Cheongju Arts Center.

Send Applicaitons to:
Cheongju International Craft Biennale Committee
329 Heungdeok-Ro, Heungdeok-Gu, Cheongju-Si, Chungcheongbuk-Do, 361-828, Republic of Korea

Tel +81 43 277 2501-3 Fax +82 43 277 2610 E-mail cjcraft@korea.com

Important Notes:
Any work which is deemed not to correspond to the image appending to its original application, is found to have been shown at another exhibition, violates the copyright of any other work or bears any defect or damage on arrival will be excluded in the final assessment by the committee's consideration. The work will be inspected on its arrival and if it is found that for any reason it is found to be unfit for exhibition or international shipping or display, it may be returned to the exhibitor for amendment or else removed from the exhibition.

Submission of entries grants ownership of copyright to the committee from the date that the prizewinners are announced to the closing date of the exhibition, for the purpose of filming, recording, presentation, cataloging and promotion of the works to be exhibited.

Documents and materials submitted by applicants will not be returned, other than such as constitute the craft entries themselves. The committee will give notice of all and any changes in the terms and conditions herewith at the website address posted above.