The festival, themed ‘Eternal Kalpa: Rebalancing Art, History and Humanity’, will feature works by 65 artists from 25 countries, including 23 Thai and 42 international creators. The event aims to promote Phuket as an international art city while boosting the province’s creative economy and tourism profile.
At a meeting of the Public Relations Subcommittee for the Thailand Biennale held at Phuket Provincial Hall this week, Vice Governor Samawit Suphanphai chaired discussions on preparations and promotion strategies for the event.
Among those in attendance were Phuket Cultural Officer Puangphaka Chaowai, Public Relations Officer Sophon Kiemkarn, and Phuket Journalists Association President Salinee Prab, with Kesorn Kamnerdpetch, Director of the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture (OCAC), joining online from Bangkok.
The meeting reviewed progress toward the festival’s official opening on Nov 29 at Saphan Hin in Phuket Town, which will be presided over by the Prime Minister, joined by the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Culture, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, and the Governor of Phuket.
The opening ceremony will include a contemporary art parade, cultural performances, and introductions by curators and artists, followed by a tour of selected installations.
ON TRACK
Prasop Riangngen, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, said during a recent inspection visit to Phuket that preparations for the Biennale were over 70% complete, with installations and site preparations progressing smoothly.
“The strong cooperation of all sectors – government, private, artistic, and community – has ensured steady progress,” he said. “We are confident that the Thailand Biennale, Phuket 2025 will be a landmark event, enhancing Thailand’s cultural prestige and creative economy.”
The festival is expected to generate more than 30 billion baht in economic circulation and attract at least three million visitors during its five-month run, he added.
ISLANDWIDE
The Biennale will span three districts – Mueang Phuket, Kathu and Thalang – featuring both indoor and outdoor installations and performances. Thirteen exhibition spaces, or ‘pavilions’, will showcase works inspired by the island’s landscapes, history, and communities.
Among the featured venues are:
- 4 Kor Artland Pavilion (“Glom Klao, Kot Fah Hom Din, Kor Sin, Klom Klao Kalpa”) in Kathu
- Yang Won Pavilion by the Gwangju Biennale at Wisit Panwa Pier
- Tua Bang-Ko Jan Pavilion by Atta Studio Co Ltd at Saphan Hin
- “Nuai Rueang Rao” Pavilion by Forum Co Ltd at the Phuket Tai Hua Museum
- Sea Sand Sun Pavilion by Ctrl+R Collective at Nai Harn Beach
- Instant Kalpa(s) by Juan Pablo Garcia Sossa in Phuket Old Town
- Plus several others, including the Andaman, Ao Thai, Lanna, Ok Lay, Dragon Force and Pop Form Pop City pavilions.
The festival’s artistic framework will be divided into four conceptual sections:
- History – rebalancing and revitalising neglected history
- Temporal Diversity – promoting equality of time and experience
- Transcending – crossing cultural and geographical boundaries
- Love for the Earth – reflecting compassion for all living beings and harmony with nature
CREATIVE SHOWCASE
Beyond exhibitions, the Thailand Biennale will feature music, performance art, talks, workshops, and community engagement activities throughout the city. Permanent sculptures and installations will also be created at key sites such as Saphan Hin, leaving a lasting legacy for residents and visitors alike.
Phuket authorities, local organisations, and the private sector have joined forces to prepare venues, beautify public areas, and ensure the island is ready to welcome visitors. Hotels, restaurants, and transport operators are also partnering to support the event.
“Phuket is already recognised as a world-class tourism destination,” Mr Prasop said. “This Biennale will showcase the province as a global art city and reinforce Thailand’s reputation as a hub for creativity and culture.”
The Office of Contemporary Art and Culture is planning a press preview from Nov 28-30, allowing media to explore the exhibition sites ahead of the official opening.
Mr Prasop concluded with an invitation to all: “We welcome artists, students and visitors from around the world to experience art that opens the city, opens the heart, and opens new opportunities for Thailand’s creative economy.”