Talented young artists sparkle at the 2018 Art and Creativity International Schools Fair

The Art and Creative Schools Fair recently launched by Thailand Art Talent in 2018 was a resounding success. Thailand Art Talent focuses on nurturing the artistic expression and creativity of young people in Bangkok. The concept is the brainchild of Mme Astrid Amaya-Garcia founder and CEO of AOTAart Mme Astrid has over thirty years of experience in creating empowering experiences through art and is the wife of the Colombian Ambassador to Thailand H.E. Mr Andelfo Garcia.  This was the first event of its kind in Thailand and is set to become an annual event. Twelve schools already have confirmed their participation. The event was hosted at River City from 29th September – 8th October.

It was acknowledged as an inspirational  innovation to all who took part. Over 300 student’s works from Thailand’s international schools had an opportunity to exhibit their talents in a professionally curated exhibition, students also took part in workshops with AOTAart’s international artists from Iran, Korea, Spain and India. The ribbon cutting ceremony at the grand opening was performed by Khun Chuan Leekpai (Prime Minister of Thailand 1992-95, 1997-2001).

A modest and humble man, a great admirer of art and creativity who engaged effortlessly with the young artists. Joining the Former Prime Minister in the ribbon cutting was Dr Kris Narongdej, CEO of KPN Holdings who is someone, as Mme Astrid said in her introduction, builds projects as if he is creating pieces of art. KPN (crafted with passion) was the sponsor of Thailand Art Talent 2018.

At the event Kris spoke about his shared passions with Mme Astrid for art and design and their common desire to nurture children to express their creativity. KPN has already announced that it will sponsor Thailand Art Talent 2019.

Khun Chatvichai Promadhattavedi, founding board member and secretary of the Bangkok art and culture centre, the fair’s programme partner, speaking at the opening reception said, how impressed he was with the standard of the exhibits and stressed the importance of creativity in students using their faculties in order to understand themselves and the world around and create postive dialogues society.

During the opening ceremony talented students performed a piano recital, sang a range of music from hiphop to classic and a solo cellist performed on stage.

Schools participating in Thailand Art Talent 2018 were: Bromsgrove International School, Concordian International School, Harrow International School, KIS, Rose Marie Academy, Ruamrudee International School, Shrewsbury International School, Thai Chinese International School, Wattana Wittaya Academy and Wells International School.

Robert Miller, Head of Senior School at Shrewsbury, spoke on stage about how creativity and innovation were the foundation of educational principles at the school. “The Thailand Art Talent Fair is a wonderful opportunity for students to display their work and share their artistic endeavours. The investments we are making by participating in this event help our students explore music and the arts as well as grow and develop in a way that helps them succeed in school and in life.” – Valerie McCubbin HoA The Art and Creative Schools Fair is an exciting and Innovative event.

Mme Astrid has taken on the challenge of organising the fair. At Concordian we believe that when art meets science, innovation happens. We named the new high school building Science Art & Technology Center (SA & T) to reflect this belief that science and art are key to this event will encourage our students to share their ideas and artwork with other students as well as the public.” – Khun Varnee Chearavanont Director of Concordian International School The creative and performing arts curriculum at Harrow International School Bangkok aims to guide our students to be creative, independent, imaginative and reflective; it encourages them to produce ambitious, exciting and skilfully crafted work.

Our artists are delighted to join an energetic community of other young artists, extending our sincere thanks to Mme Astrid Amaya-Garcia for the tremendous support.” – Michael Farley, Headmaster Harrow International School “KIS thanks Mme Astrid for organising the Art and Creative School Fair.

This opportunity provides our students the ability to showcase their art and allows them to gain invaluable experience and confidence. We believe that studying the arts is not only for those who want to pursue visual arts as a career, as exploring creative processes is essential to any career path.” – Sally Holloway Headmistress KIS International School The Popular Art Award was judged by all attendees who were invited to vote for the Popular Vote Art Award. Scooping the award was ‘Collision’ a striking oil on canvas pieces with unglazed ceramic sculptures in a clear acrylic box, with small orb-like droplets suspended above. Collision was by Sirlada ‘Muffin’ Laosirichon, a former Y13 student at Shrewsbury International School.

Due to the high standard and professionalism of the works on show a Curated Art Award was presented to the best work from each school. The judging panel was Khun Chatvichai Promadhattavedi, Khun Kris Narongdej, and Mme Astrid Amaya-Garcia. Chatvichai an art professional was genuinely impressed with not only the incredible quality of the art but also the understanding of the creative processes demonstrated in the accompanying statements.

Winners of the Curated Art Awards were: Title: Girls Group Painting – Bromsgrove International School Artist: Parintorn Suwangpraipatana Title: Honey – Concordian International School Artist: Eye Termtanasak Title: Self Portrait, 2018 – Harrow International School Title: Sacrificial Pawn – KIS International School Artist: Tara Somrit Title: Shame On You – Ruamrudee International School Artist: JH Students Title: Guernica – Rose Marie Academy Artist: Tarnfun Chittmittrapap Title: Upcycled Streampunk Lamp – Shrewsbury International School Artist: Li, Zi-Ling Title: Lost – Thai Chinese International School Artist: Thanaporn Krissaneepaiboon Title: Enigma – Wattana Wittaya Academy Artist: Toranosuke Makihara Title: The Dripping Scarlet – Wells International School

The theme for the 2019 Fair will be “The Environment” as we would like all our talented artists to also be socially responsible for their surroundings and to the people they interact with.

“Art and creativity are important and relevant to young people. They are essential in cultivating the global citizens of tomorrow who can confidently express themselves and feel connected. Thailand Art Talent aims to share this creativity within the community, empowering talented students and inspiring all,whilst promoting schools for the quality of their creative-based education”

Thailand Art Talent (TAT) 2019 planning is already in progress. For more information how to participate or to sponsor, please contact [email protected].