The Doosan Yonkang Foundation, the philanthropic arm of South Korean conglomerate Doosan, is sponsoring the Korean Pavilion at the 61st Venice Biennale for the first time. The pavilion, titled "Liberated Space: Fortress and Nest," runs from May 9 to November 22 at the Giardini park in Venice, and explores political events and historical transitions in Korean society from 1945 to the present. Participating artist Noh Hye-ri is an alumna of the foundation's Doosan Art LAB program, and artistic director Choi Binna serves as a supervisor of the Doosan Curator Workshop, highlighting the foundation's direct investment in nurturing artistic talent.
This sponsorship marks a significant shift in how the Korean Pavilion is funded, moving from traditional government or institutional backing to corporate philanthropic support. It also underscores the growing role of private foundations in shaping national representation at major international art events like the Venice Biennale. By supporting artists who have emerged from its own programs, the Doosan Yonkang Foundation demonstrates a model of sustained, ecosystem-level patronage that connects emerging artist support directly to high-profile global exhibitions.