To mark the 2010 centenary of Chiang Mai’s Warorot market, known locally as Kad Luang, Navin Rawanchaikul, an internationally recognised Thai artist who himself grew up in his family’s fabric store within this market, has initiated a community-based arts festival namely the “Mahākād”. Directed by his team at Navin Production Studio, and in collaboration with various community groups, the project will be held at the market and within the neighborhood. Reflected in its multi-cultural title that references the ancient Indian epic, Mahābhārata, this festival aims to promote awareness of the local identities and their unique cultures. A vehicle to launch a dynamic ‘epic’ collaborative experimental communication platform recognising the potential of community engagement, integrating contemporary arts, traditional artisans and creative awareness into the markets diverse social multi-cultural community.
Incorporating newly conceived artworks by Navin Production Studio in cooperation with guest artists, the festival will provide the first occasion for the public to experience the site-specific exhibition in the central forum of the main market building. An associated exhibition is to be housed in the Luang Anusarnsunthorn Residence, an historic building in the area, which also functions as the festival information center. The multifaceted presentation also includes a documentary video with oral histories and personal images that evoke a kaleidoscope of memories of Kad Luang market community, as well as a related photo exhibition by respected philanthropist Luang Anusarnsunthorn (1867-1934) and senior biographical photographer Boonserm Satrabhaya whose prolific body of work and collections of old photographs has faithfully preserved and documented Chiang Mai’s past. As a reflection on the current face of the market community, contemporary photographers will be invited to create a visual dialogue between the two senior photographers and insights collected from a collaborative youth workshop with a local government school.
The opening events will be held during the weekend of 25-26 December, 2010. Accompanying activities include a tour of the project sites to experience firsthand market life. The evening program will be held at the market’s access street where performances will be presented alongside a series of challenging games and contests based on the lifestyles of market folk. The opening events will culminate in a symposium with a distinguished panel discussion about community engagement in contemporary art practices.
Website: http://www.navinproduction.com
• Kad Luang market place and the surrounding neighborhood within walking distance(detailed map of all project sites will be provided) (daily, free admission) / Mahākād Festival Information Centre at Luang Anusarnsunthorn Residence (The White Building), opposite Buddhastan (Buddhist Association) on Thapae Road (daily 10am – 6pm, free admission)