The Daejeon Museum of Art (DMA), led by Director Yoon Euihyang, has announced an open call for artists to participate in its prestigious 2026 Young Artists Support Exhibition, "Next Code." This initiative is a vital platform dedicated to fostering the creative endeavors of emerging artists with strong ties to the Daejeon and Chungcheong regions.

A Legacy of Cultivating Talent 

The "Next Code" exhibition boasts a significant history, having championed the careers of next-generation artists since its inception in 1999. Over the past 25 years, the program has introduced and nurtured the work of 165 young artists, establishing itself as a premier gateway into the regional and national art scene. In 2018, the selection process transitioned to an open call format, involving evaluations by external art experts, which further solidified the exhibition's prestige and fairness.

Exhibition Details and Artist Support 

The upcoming "Next Code 2026" exhibition is scheduled to run for approximately two months, starting on July 14, 2026, at the DMA's main building in Mannyeon-dong.

Selected artists will receive comprehensive support designed to enhance their careers and artistic practice:

Main Exhibition Opportunity: Displaying their work at the Daejeon Museum of Art's main building.
Critic Matching and Funding: Matching with professional art critics and financial support for critical essay writing.
Creative Activity Grants: Provision of a creative grant to support artistic development.
Professional Critique: Two sessions of professional critique from art experts.
Market Participation: Inclusion in the 'Young Artists Distribution Support Project,' slated for September on the museum's lawn plaza.
Director Yoon Euihyang expressed high hopes for the open call, stating, “We look forward to the enthusiastic interest and participation of young artists who will become the foundational pillars of contemporary Korean art, extending beyond this region. We are committed to establishing a framework where young artists can further their growth not only through the exhibition but also through various museum activities."

Eligibility and Application 

The open call is currently underway and will proceed online until December 19, 2025.

Eligibility: Visual artists aged 20 to 43 (inclusive) with a connection to the Daejeon or Chungcheong regions are eligible to apply.
Submission Deadline: December 19, 2025
Application Method: Online submission.
Interested artists can find detailed application information in the news section of the Daejeon Museum of Art's official website: www.daejeon.go.kr/dma.

The "Next Code" initiative continues to play a pivotal role in scouting and developing regional talent, offering concrete pathways for young visual artists to step onto a larger stage and contribute to the rich tapestry of Korean contemporary art.