Thailand is getting lively with arts and creative events towards the end of the year. So, if you plan your visit to Thailand, here are a list of some interesting events for art lovers and creative people to check out! Studio 88 wishes you an enjoyable and creative exploration! Read more
Interview with Annelie Hendriks, founder of Samsara Foundation
Annelie Hendriks is a Dutch national who has lived for 20 years in Doi Saket, Chiangmai. She studied Cultural Studies and International Relations and started her career making exhibitions for museums. Later she was the director of an institute in cross cultural training, working for international NGO’s and companies. When she moved to Thailand 20 years ago she opened the Samsara Foundation, which had the aim of getting all children to school in Mae Hong Son Province. The foundation focused on building facilities to support schools, such as dormitories, canteens, toilet buildings, kitchens, clean water installations and solar panel electricity projects. This infrastructure had a great impact, as many children in that province didn’t go to school due to the lack of boarding facilities. The organisation closed in 2016, having achieved its ambition of getting kids to school, and now Annelie is turning her attention towards creative storytelling using mixed media.
Aom from Studio 88 had a chat to Annelie about her work and life in Doi Saket. Read more
Creative Responses to Sustainability
In September 2019 the Asia-Europe Foundation published the publication Creative Responses to Sustainability: Green Guide for Spain. Studio 88 team member Claire Wilson developed the Guide from interviews with and research on 25 organisations that work at the nexus of art and sustainability in Spain. Read more
Testimonial: Rui Matsunaga
Studio 88 is a wonderful space for anyone who loves being surrounded by the beauty of nature, simple yet deeply rooted to culture, eating lots of healthy local food, just enjoying one’s own time freely. It is so relaxing and also invigorating to both soul and body. Read more
Interview with Ong from ComPeung Artist Residency
Pisithpong Siraphisut (Ong) is a multidisciplinary artist. In 2005 he founded ComPeung, the longest ongoing independent artist residency in Thailand. ComPeung doesn’t only provide a space but a playground, a home and freedom. Studio 88 talked to Ong about ComPeung and the reasons behind opening such a space in Doi Saket. Read more
Recovering from conflict through craft and community
In the weekend of 7 September 2019, Chiangmai city welcomes a line-up of inspiring speakers in the event organised by TEDxChiangmai. This year’s theme, Shake&Shift Through the Eyes of Women, explores how women’s ideas and actions have the power to shake things up and shift perspectives. Among other speakers, Aom is proud that Armeenoh Hayimasae, one of her leading stakeholders of the Crafting Futures programme at the British Council, will be presenting. Read more
Interview with Studio 88 in Art+Plus magazine
For Art+Plus magazine Laura Shen recently interviewed Aom about Studio 88 and her reasons for founding the Residency. Published in the August/September 2019 issue, the interview explores themes of “Art Tourism”. Many cities use the arts as a way to develop the tourism industry, and more tourists would like to visit cultural events or places as a different way to experience a place.
As Aom says:
“I believe in the soft-power of the arts because it provides a more holistic way to promote our values and help others. Culture attracts visitors to experience the beauty of our landscapes, the treasures of our heritage and our way of life. The more visitors mean the more exchange, sharing and mutual understanding. This enables connection and lead to interwoven network that gives us the opportunity to promote our cultural and creative talents which play an important role in driving the country’s creative economy – a trend or national strategy that has become the country’s policy called Thailand 4.0.”
To find out more, read the full article here.
Or check out the Art+Plus Facebook Page.
How it all started: Trees inspire a family legacy
The seeds for Studio 88 were planted many years ago, by Aom’s grandfather, who first taught her the value of giving back to the community. Every time Aom returns home she is reminded of his foresight and community spirit standing tall in the row of teak trees along the 6 kilometer long canal road. Her grandfather did not live a long life to see these trees growing strong, but he has left the legacy not only to his family but people who are enjoying their shelter. Read more
Don’t let old age get you down
Sak, a self-taught and veteran woodworker of Doi Saket, just turned 60 last year. He is now considered a senior citizen and entitled for elderly allowance. What does this mean to him and the community and society he lives in? And what can we at Studio 88 do to help? Read more