Canada participates in the Cheongju International Craft Biennale, South Korea

The Canadian Crafts Federation/Fédération canadienne des métiers d’art (CCF/FCMA) is proud to announce that Canada has been selected as the official guest country for the 2009 Cheongju International Craft Biennale (CICB). This festival, held in Cheongju, South Korea, is an international event featuring more than 3000 artists from over 50 participating nations across the globe. Over half a million attendees are expected.

In preparation for our guest country status, the CCF/FCMA will present a ‘preview’ exhibition during the 2007 CICB this October. A selection of work from the highly acclaimed “All About Alberta” exhibition (organized by the Alberta Craft Council and can be seen here) will be on display to give a taste of what Canada has to offer in 2009. All About Alberta is a great example of the talent found in Canada, and we look forward to bringing an even broader series of exhibitions to Korea next time around. Our contemporary craft culture is spectacular, with craftspeople working across the country in metal, wood, glass, clay, textiles and more. These individuals create distinctive and unique works of art which are exhibited and sold around the world.

The invitation to participate in the CICB could not have come at a better time, as the CCF/FCMA is currently celebrating our overwhelmingly successful Craft Year 2007 project. This festival of events features over 625 fine craft related activities of all shapes and sizes clear across the country. We are so pleased to be branching out internationally to promote Canadian craft in this special, celebratory year.

We thank the Organizing Committee of the Cheongju International Craft Biennale and City of Cheongju for the opportunity to build Canada-Korea relations through cultural exchanges. We are grateful for support of this Korea preview project from the Canada Council, Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Canadian Heritage, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Alberta Craft Council and the Crafts Association of BC.

To see more about the Biennale visit: http://cheongjubiennale.or.kr

"Trojan Beaver"
By Brian McArthur

Terracotta clay

40 cm (16 in)

"Governor General's Rose"
By Karen Cantine

Hand-fabricated sterling silver, gold, rose gold and Canadian diamond

8.75 cm (3.5 in)