FOSTERING CREATIVITY

AN EXHIBITION AT BACC POP UP SHOWCASES THE WORKS OF 15 PRATHOM STUDENTS

- STORY: SUWITCHA CHAIYONG PHOTOS: VARUTH HIRUNYATHEB

The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre exhibition “Creative City: Building A Better Future” displays artwork by 15 children, aged nine to 12, who drew imaginary houses on 3D cardboard models.

The pictures of their houses were colourful with images of trees, nature and people engaged in fun activities.

Asst Prof Aniwat Tongseeda, the curator, explained the exhibition was a result of the BACC's longstanding art camp, also called Kid's Calendar. After the BACC expanded its exhibition area to BACC Pop Up at Seacon Square Srinakarin, the art camp was held for the first time at the new location in April.

“Kid’s Calendar was created because we wanted children to participate in art activities at the BACC. Since contemporary artwork may be difficult for children to understand, we decided to create an art camp for them. At the BACC’s art camp, children learn art through activities that are different from what they learn in schools. At school, students study art only 40 hours a year while total classes are 1,200 hours. At the art camp, we aim to encourage children to explore their creativity,” said Asst Prof Aniwat.

“According to research, art helps enhance creative ideas. Currently children are addicted to gadgets. Art activities can help children stay focused. Elementary school students should learn about art because it is an important foundation for growth and it helps them develop their potential. I’m not saying art is the most important subject, but it is a tool that helps children discover themselves as well as to think creatively.”

The art camp at Seacon Square featured four activities — designing imaginary houses, drawing on recycled bottles, creating art from recycled materials and designing a creative city.