A global biennale arts festival in Gwanju kicked off its 66-day run on Friday.

The 2012 Gwanju biennale's theme this year is “roundtable,” which symbolizes freedom and equality.

The theme embodies the spirit of communicating with one another on a roundtable, where experimental arts are exhibited.

This year’s festival is characterized by an expanded number of citizen-led projects in which 92 artists from 40 countries are taking part.

Meanwhile, 60 percent of the submitted works of art are new works, which will allow visitors to enjoy the latest trends in modern arts.

The Gwanju Biennale is also led by six female Asian directors, as opposed to the previous one director system.

The festival is the focus of attention among the arts community, with global arts magazines praising it as one of the most noteworthy exhibitions.