Phuket has officially been announced as the host city for the Thailand Biennale 2025, an international contemporary art festival set to take place from November 2025 to April 2026. The announcement was made by Ministry of Culture Permanent Secretary Yupha Thaweewatthanakitbaworn during a press conference held at the ‘House of Tin Baron’ on Satun Rd in Phuket Town on August 30th.
The press event was attended by notable figures such as Phuket Vice Governor Norasak Suksomboon, Rewat Areerob, President of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), Anchalee Vanich Thepbutr, President of the Phuket Art Association, and Artistic Director Arin Rungjang, along with representatives from various cultural and artistic organizations.
Theme and Vision of Thailand Biennale 2025
The Thailand Biennale, Phuket 2025, will be the fourth edition of this prestigious event and will center around the theme “Eternal Eternity.” The theme aims to highlight the delicate balance between human existence and nature, emphasizing the importance of a sustainable approach to life that respects the natural world and its diverse rhythms. The festival will offer a platform for exploring the concept of time and its impact on the relationship between humans and the environment.
Artistic Directors Arin Rungjang and David Teh, along with curators Marisa Pantharakratchadet and Hera Chan, have emphasized the importance of understanding Phuket’s unique cultural context and its potential as a tourist destination. The festival is designed to elevate Thailand’s cultural standing on the global stage while promoting the local economy through cultural tourism.
Phuket: The Ideal Host for Thailand Biennale 2025
Ms. Yupha highlighted Phuket’s rich cultural heritage and its ability to bring together various sectors as key factors in selecting the island as the host city for the Thailand Biennale 2025. “The festival will not only promote the local economy through cultural tourism but also elevate Thailand’s cultural standing on the international stage,” she stated.
Vice Governor Norasak expressed Phuket’s readiness to welcome international artists and showcase local talent. He emphasized that the artworks created during the Biennale could become lasting landmarks for the province, contributing to its cultural and creative landscape.
Artistic Vision and Goals
Arin Rungjang, Artistic Director and award-winning ‘Outstanding Contemporary Artist’ and recipient of the Silpakorn Award 2020, elaborated on the concept behind the festival, known as “Niran Kalp.” This vision aims to explore the complex relationship between humans, nature, and time, addressing challenges such as ecological degradation, the impact of technology, industrial agriculture, and the over-exploitation of natural resources.
“This relationship is strained by various challenges, including ecological degradation, the impact of technology, war, industrial agriculture, and the heavy exploitation of natural resources,” Mr. Arin explained. “These problems arise from humanity’s tendency to prioritize its own needs, often at the expense of the environment and the diverse ways in which people live.”
Festival Highlights and Venues
The Thailand Biennale, Phuket 2025, will feature contributions from 60 Thai and international artists. The event will be spread across all three districts of Phuket, utilizing various venues such as the Phuket Contemporary Art Gallery, Promthep Cape, Surin Beach Glass Terrace, and the Phuket Mining Museum. Additionally, the festival will include exhibitions in artists’ houses, showcasing Phuket’s unique blend of natural beauty, history, and culture.
Phuket, as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, is well-positioned to leverage this event to further its development as a sustainable creative city in the future. The festival will be a celebration of art and culture and an opportunity for Phuket to showcase its cultural diversity and artistic talent to the world.
A Global Platform for Cultural Exchange
The Thailand Biennale, Phuket 2025, is expected to attract a diverse audience of international artists, art enthusiasts, and tourists, fostering cultural exchange and dialogue. With its focus on sustainability, the event will encourage participants and visitors to reflect on the evolving relationship between humans and nature, promoting a deeper understanding of our shared ecosystem and the need to respect the natural world.
Conclusion
As preparations for the Thailand Biennale 2025 are underway, Phuket stands ready to welcome the world to its shores. With a focus on sustainability, cultural diversity, and artistic expression, the festival promises to be a landmark event that will enhance Phuket’s reputation as a global cultural destination and contribute to Thailand’s standing on the international cultural stage.
