A festival of modern arts, the Gwangju Biennale, kicked off its 66-day run on Thursday in the southern city of Gwangju.

The opening ceremony was attended by some two thousand guests including Culture Minister Kim Jong-deok, Gwangju Mayor Yoon Jang-hyun, the biennale foundation's President Lee Yong-woo and Artistic Director Jessica Morgan as well as cultural luminaries from home and abroad.

During the award ceremony that followed the opening, the biennale's Noon Award was given to artists who presented experimental works that best portray "Burning Down the House," the festival's theme this year. The award for veteran artist went to Korean writer Lee Bul and the prize for rising artist went to the French-Argentinean dance duo Cecilia Bengolea and Francois Chaignaud.

The Gwangju Biennale will continue for 66 days through November 9. Modern art works by 103 artists from 38 countries will be on display in the exhibition hall and other locations including the Gwangju Museum of Art.