In order to offer a creative space for people in Phayao, the "Phayao Arts & Creative Festival" was launched in early August and will run until Oct 3. A collaboration of the Creative Economy Agency, Pye Space Contemporary and Phayao New Generation Creator Network, the festival is hosting programmes throughout the province. But the festival's main area, "Ar(t)cade", is located on the second floor of the old market in Phayao. It features art exhibitions, alternative movie screenings, and family and learning activities.
"Ar(t)cade is located in the old market, which has been quiet due to online shopping and the Covid-19 situation. The Phayao Arts & Creative Festival has attracted more than 800 people to the market so far. People who have never visited the market decided to come here making vendors feel hopeful," said the founder of the festival, Pawin Ramingwong.
Before organising the festival, Pawin, a lecturer at the School of Architecture and Fine Art, University of Phayao, was known for creating a memorable and successful event, "Prayao Rama 1973 to 2021", which screened movies and exhibited artworks at the Prayao Rama cinema before the cinema was rebuilt.
The festival has many highlights. "Made In Phayao" is an exhibition that provides information regarding 17 creative Phayao people such as a movie director, tea master, fabric designer, street photographer and wooden crafter. At the Prayao Rama selected documentaries provided by the Documentary Club as well as student films from the University of Phayao, Silpakorn University and Chulalongkorn University will be screened. The Museum of Popular History exhibits politically related items from both anti- and pro-government groups.
Even though Phayao does not have many Covid-19 cases, the festival still maintains the standard guidance including scanning the Thai Chana QR code, temperature screening, required mask-wearing, social distancing and the use of hand sanitisers.
Visit facebook.com/phayaoartsandcreativefestival for more information.
