Paul Chan united his impulses towards political activism and evocative installation by mounting special performances of Beckett’s Waiting for Godot in still-struggling areas of New Orleans. Chan served as Artistic Director for these stagings, offered to the public for free and performed in November by the Classical Theater of Harlem at two different locations. Fellow Cauleen Smith is working on a documentary about the performances, and an insightful article about Chan and this project was offered by the New York Times at the beginning of December. When in New York, Chan participated in a new program at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, “Between the Lines,” which pairs readings by emerging writers with screenings by up-and-coming artists who re-imagine the possibilities of film.  Additionally, Chan was one of 50 artists awarded a $50,000 grant by United States Artists, for his work with visual arts.

Paul Chan’s first major European show “Lights & Drawings” was on display at the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, from March through June. The exhibit featured his projections, charcoal drawings, collages and digital studies. Additionally, from May through July, the Serpentine Gallery in London presents the world premiere of the complete series of The 7 Lights, Chan's largescale digital projections and drawings that ‘hallucinate’ the seven days of creation from dawn to dusk. The projections are presented on floors, walls and corners, appearing like light and shadows emanating from nearby windows.  

Paul Chan’s Untitled Video on Lynne Stewart and Her Conviction, the Law and Poetry screened at the New York Underground Film Festival in March and at the Sundance Film Festival in January, in a program he produced. This program was the result of his efforts to connect video artists with political activists who have been sentenced to jail. Chan's documentary short paints an expressive portrait of human rights lawyer Lynne Stewart, who has been convicted of helping terrorist organizations in the United States. Additionally, his installation 1st Light, a digital animated floor projection depicting two opposing tides of shadows moving in balletic slow motion, was featured at Sundance. Finally, Chan’s first major European show, “Lights & Drawings,” features his projections, charcoal drawings, collages and digital studies on display at the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, through June.