The International Competition 2021 reverts back to an open call for artworks. In 2019, the competition for the first time made an open call to artists instead of asking for the submission of artworks. It makes another change in 2021. Yet, The competition this year again does not require

classification of artworks as either ceramics for use or ceramics as expression, which had been the case since the 6th edition of the Biennale. In the first five biennales, each artist was required to indicate the category for his or her work, but this has not been required since 2011. To ensure the mission of the International Competition to serve as a gateway to success for young artists, the competition this year introduced the Emerging Artist Prize to be awarded to an artist aged 39 years or younger among those recognized at the International Competition. Also established this year is the KICB Residency Award, by which an artist selected will be invited to a residency program. The idea of this award is to direct attention to the role of the KICB, which has established itself as the forum of exchange for ceramic artists the world over.

A total of 2,503 entries by 1,184 artists from 70 countries were received for the International Competition this year. Seventy-six artworks passed the first round of image screening online. Of these, six prize-winners were selected through a final round of screening of the actual physical artworks. The exhibition this year shows the 76 artworks by continent, as well as the archives of the KICB and the invitational exhibition of Tip Toland, the Grand Prize winner of KICB 2019. Visit the historical archives of the exhibitions and symposiums of the KICB to learn about the history of the Biennale.

The 11th KICB presents the Biennale online along with onsite exhibitions. You can experience Biennale exhibitions and symposiums through VR exhibitions and vivid videos at the Online Platform at a click of your mouse.

You can participate in the vote for Viewer's Choice Prize on Online Platform(www.kicb.or.kr). The Viewer's Choice Prize is for the entire participants. We prepared some gifts for those who participate in the voting event. I look forward to your participation.