Brand value

As more mall operators become involved in the arts, this provides an opportunity to showcase Thai artists globally, writes Kuakul Mornkum

- Kuakul Mornkum

The private sector, particularly shopping malls, has taken significant steps to host various art events and establish open art spaces.

Art appreciation is a growing trend among visitors to the country, and it can enhance a mall’s brand image while increasing foot traffic.

Asst Prof Haisang Javanalikhikara, a lecturer in fine and applied arts at Chulalongkorn University, has started a conversation about the definition of “art spaces”

She said they can be understood broadly to encompass both publicly and privately funded museums and galleries, as well as cafés and other venues that host art-related events.

RISE OF ART SPACES

Asst Prof Haisang said more companies are becoming involved in the arts, such as Thai Beverage Plc, which is a supporter of the Bangkok Art Biennale, while large department stores have created designated areas for art exhibitions.

Art collectors have also launched venues to display their collections, she said.

However, the professor said art spaces are not as common in Bangkok as a decade ago. In the past, Thais preferred to go to malls instead of museums. After the pandemic, she said she noticed more people showing an interest in visiting museums and attending art exhibitions.

It is difficult to pinpoint the reason for this shift, but Asst Prof Haisang believes social media plays an important role.

She said digital platforms can bring the arts, which once seemed distant from the public, closer to the audience. They encourage people to be more aware of the diversity within the arts.

This growing public interest in the arts helps drive the expansion of art spaces, offering more opportunities for artists to showcase their works.

Asst Prof Haisang said the current number of contemporary art spaces may be sufficient, but she would like public art museums to showcase more national art collections.

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