The initiative was announced at a meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall on Thursday (July 25), chaired by Phuket Vice Governor Norasak Suksomboon.
Key figures at the meeting included Pichaiyut Singhasami of the Phuket Culture Office along with Somsak Sophanon, Chairman of the Phuket Provincial Cultural Council, as well as representatives from government agencies, the private sector and members of the public.
The project’s goal is to transform local spaces into hubs of creativity, serving as venues for artistic expression, cultural exhibitions and the sale of cultural products and services, Vice Governor Norsak explained.
“This initiative aims to foster community engagement, enhance local pride and increase awareness of the value of arts, culture, heritage and local wisdom among children, youth and the general public,” he said.
The project is part of a nationwide initiative through which 154 creative space groups have been identified for creating a ‘Creative Plaza’, V/ Gov Norasak said.
“The project seeks to use these spaces as educational resources, exhibit venues and marketplaces for cultural products.” he added.
In Phuket, the Phuket Culture Office has identified three key areas within Phuket to serve as creative zones: Phuket Old Town; Wat Mongkhon Wararam (Wat Nai Yang) in Thalang; Kathu Public Park, in Kathu.
The Phuket Provincial Culture Office will now focus on creating an action plan for organising activities and promoting the ‘1 District, 1 Creative Plaza’ project at these locations.
“This plan aims to bring the project to life through concrete actions, ensuring that the initiative not only enriches the cultural landscape of Phuket but also significantly contributes to the local economy by boosting the value and sales of cultural products and services,” V/Gov Norasak said.
“As the project progresses, Phuket residents and visitors alike can look forward to vibrant creative spaces that celebrate and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the province,” he added.