International artists based in Phuket presented their mascots at Dragon Plaza in Phuket Town on Thursday (Aug 14) at an event presided over by Phuket Art Association President Anchalee Vanich Thepbutra.
The ‘Bien Foo Lucky’ event features 93 participating artists: 10 international artists from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Russia, alongside 83 Thai artists representing the South, North, Northeast, and Central regions. All will create works across the four regional pavilions of Thailand Biennale Phuket 2025.
Ms Anchalee said both Thai and international artists will paint works that capture stories and impressions of Phuket.
Meanwhile, veteran artists are collaborating on 19 ‘Bien Foo Lucky’ mascots, available for purchase at B500,000 each.
The mascots, designed to bring lasting prosperity, can be displayed in organisations or homes, explained an official report of the event.
All artworks produced during the August creation period will be collected and showcased at Thailand Biennale Phuket 2025, which runs from Nov 29, 2025 to April 30, 2026.
A ‘Welcome Opening’ is being held today (Aug 16), under the theme ‘My Phuket Island of Arts’, will run from Dragon Plaza to the Chartered Bank intersection in Phuket Old Town.
The event will feature a performance by the 60-member Phuket Youth Wind Orchestra, composed of students from schools across Phuket. The public and tourists are invited to join the festivities.
‘Richest Roller’
Preparations for the Biennale also include the unveiling of the first contemporary sculpture, ‘Richest Roller’ by Dr Kamol Tassananchalee, National Artist in Visual Arts (Painting and Mixed Media).
Ms Anchalee invited Chuan Leekpai, who served two terms as Thai Prime Minister and more recently as Speaker of the House of Representatives, to view the sculpture’s progress at NSW CNC CUTTING Co Ltd.
“This project demonstrates the power of art to promote Phuket as an international art city,” Mr Chuan said. “Art knows no boundaries, regardless of religion or belief. Phuket residents should be proud to represent Thailand in a world-class contemporary art festival.”
Thailand Biennale Phuket 2025 aims to provide a global platform connecting artists of diverse nationalities and cultures, reinforcing Phuket’s potential as a hub for contemporary art and welcoming audiences from around the world.