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March 28, 2023
BANGKOK – The first biennale was held in Krabi in 2018, and then in Nakhon Ratchasima or Korat in 2021.
By changing venues, the spirit of the Thailand Biennale unleashes creativity, illuminates provincial culture and brings local relics to life.
The latest biennale starts in December this year as part of the Open World concept and will run until April 30, 2024. The goal is to contribute to the transformation of Chiang Rai into a “global art city”.
“Local art and culture will be combined with new and creative ideas to improve tourism and product development, use art to increase community income and move the province towards a creative economy,” Culture Minister Ittifol Kunplome said at a recent press conference.
The conference, held at Chiang Rai’s iconic white temple, Wat Rong Khun, was also attended by the Governor of Puttipong Sirimat Province and representatives from the Ministry of Culture.
Also in attendance were the artistic directors of the festival, Rirkrit Tiravania and Gridtiya Gaviwong, as well as co-curators Angkrit Ajchairyasofon and Manuporn Luengaram.
“Events such as international arts festivals increase the potential of tourist attractions, products, services and income,” the minister said, adding that the biennale is part of the government’s policy to promote Thailand’s soft power.
Festival theme
The concept called “Open World” is inspired by the Buddha statue kept in the ancient temple of Wat Pa Sak in Chiang Rai. The pose represents wisdom and awakening as the Buddha descends from heaven to perform the miracle of revelation, revealing three worlds: heaven, hell and humanity.
Built in 1295 during the Phaya Saen Phu era, the statue symbolizes the aim of the 2023 Thailand Biennale to “open up” the world of people and their perception of art.
“As a host, we will cooperate with local artists, the Artbridge Chiang Rai association, the subdistrict administrative organization, the chamber of commerce, companies, shops and foundations,” Puttipong said.
The goal is to turn Chiang Rai into a more colorful province filled with art from different areas.
“Places, people and communities are ready to welcome artists and tourists visiting the event in all aspects,” he said.
“Our way of life, the culture of Lanna is a heritage with centuries of history, great art and unique architecture, in which representatives of different nationalities are mixed,” he said.
“We are very proud to have been chosen to showcase world renowned artists. The arts and culture of Chiang Rai will be widely publicized, which will help instill a love for the arts among young people and local residents.”
The governor added that the biennale will also serve as an international platform for local artists to showcase their talents and increase the income of the city and its residents.
ancient heritage
Lanna’s centuries-old traditions and cultural heritage continue to live on in Chiang Rai in the form of architecture, craftsmanship, storytelling, beliefs, and ecology.
The Lanna Kingdom or “Kingdom of Millions of Rice Fields” emerged in the 13th century and flourished under several monarchs. In 1262 King Mangrai moved his capital from Ngoenyang (modern Chiang Saen) to Chiang Rai.
The rich cultural heritage of the northern city attracts artists from different parts of the country who settle in the valley and its environs. Among them are Tavan Duchani, who built the Baan Dam (Black House) museum, and Chalermchai Kositpipat, who created the all-white Wat Rong Khun in the city.
Tavan and Chalermchai served as role models and inspired other artists to return to their hometown.
Intersection of cultures
The theme of the 2023 Thailand Biennale is “Open World” to celebrate a “borderless” world in which artists explore the potential for a better future.
The festival will take place at many venues in the Golden Triangle area of Chaing Rai and Chiang Saen and will feature artists “from the Mekong to the Amazon and beyond.”
The original list included innovative artists from Thailand such as all(zone); acclaimed director Apichatpong Weerasethakul; General arts and culture Baan Noorg; Busui Ajav; Kamonlak Sukchai; Navin Ravanchaikul; Nipan Orannivesna; Roongroj Paimiossak; Sanitas Pradittasni and Srivan Janehuttakarnkit; as well as foreign artists such as Chitra Summita from Bali; Ernesto Neto from Rio de Janeiro; Haegue Yang from Seoul/Berlin; Ho Tzu Nien from Singapore; Michael Lin; Nguyen Trin Thi; Ryusuke Kido; Savangwongse Yongwe; Seo Yu New; and Tobias Rehberger from Frankfurt.
“Everyone is invited to join Open World and take part in Thailand’s Open Country and Open Chiang Rai campaigns to connect art with our lifestyle,” Ittifol said.
“Together, let’s create a new history through a creative economy based on arts and culture, supported by the generous hospitality of the people of Chiang Rai. We look forward to meeting you all.”
The press conference ended with the start of the countdown to the art festival.
Visit www.thailandbiennale.org, thailandbiennale on Facebook or call the Ministry of Culture hotline 1765 for more information.
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