Bangkok Art and Culture Centre is truly the place for art lovers. Our establishment came from the devotion of the network of artists who had patiently proposed this project forward for over 16 years until it was finally approved and opened on 29 July 2008 and officially opened on 19 August 2009. This beautiful monumental building at the Pathumwan junction is a learning centre for modern and contemporary art as well as a place of sparking inspirational creativity. The centre is now under the supervision of Bangkok Art and Culture Centre Foundation with establishment and tremendous support by Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.
Our Mission
- To act as a public space promoting both local and international arts and culture to the general public
- To support creative processes with an aim to nurture new ideas and knowledge
- To inspire imagination and promote arts and culture to the general public in order to drive Bangkok towards a well-balanced society
- To improve local arts and cultural management standards so as to be up to international standards
- To facilitate and create environment enabling arts and cultural involvement from all sectors
Board members
Message from the Chairperson
Ms. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul
A vibrant, thriving city requires an art gallery, and the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre is emerging as a key player in fostering spiritual enrichment and a broadened worldview within the city. Its significance stems entirely from the support and engagement of individuals, organisations, the government, and the private sectors; everyone plays a part in contributing to the sharing of art narratives with the public in which art develops the people and society as well as advances the economy for a never-ending sustainable and innovative growth.
Foundation Committee
2021 – Present
Ms. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul
Mr. Chatvichai Promadhattavedi
Ms. Yaovanee Nirandara
Mr. Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi
Ms. Marisa Chearavanont
Mr. Sermkhun Kunawong
Ms. Wannaporn Phornprapha
Ms. Chamaiporn Bangkombang
Mr. Yanawit Kungchaethong
Mr. Sansern Milindasuta
Mr. Smith Obayawat
Mr. Amrit Chusuwan
Director of Bangkok Art and Culture Centre
Ms. Adulaya (Kim) Hoontrakul
Since 2008, the community-centred BACC remains an essential public art centre committed to facilitating impactful and diverse public programmes, interdisciplinary and historically engaging dialogues about art and art based professional trainings to support the Thai art eco-system.
We are incredibly proud of the BACC’s legacy as built by past generations and vow to continue the work so that the city of Bangkok can be a prominent creative city.
Advisory Board
2022 — present
Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt Governor of Bangkok, Chairperson
Mr. Sanon Wangsrangboon Deputy Governor of Bangkok, Vice-Chairperson
Permanent Secretary for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), Vice-Chairperson
Deputy Permanent Secretary for the BMA, Vice-Chairperson
Director – General of Culture, Sports and Tourism Department, BMA, Committee Member
Director – General of Finance Department, BMA, Committee Member
Director – General of Budget Department, BMA, Committee Member
Director – General of Legal and Litigation Division, BMA, Committee Member
Director – General of Culture Sports and Tourism Department, Committee Member
Director of Culture Division (Culture & Tourism Office, Culture, Sports & Tourism Department), Committee Member and Secretary
Chief of Contemporary Art & Culture Section (Culture & Tourism Office, Culture, Sports & Tourism Department), Committee Member and Assistant Secretary
History
The Inception
The idea of having an art centre for the general public has been under consideration for sometime amidst the lack of support for the arts from the state. Successive governments have been blind to the importance of intellectual development and creativity in the national development policy. This need became a rallying cry for the Thai Artists’ Network in their campaign for the building a contemporary art centre, to be current with international trends and fulfilling the national pride, and to provide a place for art and cultural learning in the context of the advancing material culture. The art centre for people should be supported by government as a non-profit public entity. Building an art centre is akin to building an ‘infrastructure for the brain’ In other words, it is providing the ‘software’ development to match that of the ‘hardware’.
Building an art centre at the chosen area of the Pathumwan Junction makes sense: it is an area much frequented by youths, and the art centre has the potential to attract young people to participate in art and cultural activities, to learn and express themselves, at the same time becoming part of their recreational pursuits.
The Campaign
The art centre project began in 1995 when Dr.Bhichit Rattakul, the Bangkok Governor, agreed to the Jubilee Art Celebration Committee that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration would build the “Bangkok Contemporary Art Centre” at the Pathumwan junction with the cooperation of both parties. However, the project was suspended when Bangkok elected a new governor in 2001. The project was reconsidered to become a commercial retail space with the investment coming from private investors. Artists and many cultural organizations, and the press protested against the change.
When Apirak Kosayodhin became the Bangkok Governor in 2004, the Artists’ Network presented the art centre project to the newly elected Governor, who agreed to have the art centre built according to the design following the original concept.
Art centre for people
The campaign advocating for the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre by then took over a decade. Finally, the construction began at the Pathumwan Junction site, with the cooperation and support of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the People’s Network for the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. Bangkok finally has a major art centre for its inhabitants. It is a place for people to meet, and to help define and make culture.
Chronology of the BACC history
OCTOBER 1994
The Artists’ United Front of Thailand agreed to push for the building of a contemporary art centre for its 20th anniversary celebration, collaborating with other groups to develop the idea.
SEPTEMBER 1995
The beginning of the “Art in the Reign of King Rama IX” Project, including the idea of building a Contemporary Art Centre.
11 JULY 1996
The Golden Jubilee Art Exhibition Committee had a meeting with Dr. Bhichit Rattakul, the Governor of Bangkok, and presented the idea of building a contemporary art centre. The meeting resolved to build the “Bangkok Contemporary Art Centre” to honour His Majesty the King Bhumipol Adulyadej, patron of all the arts.
NOVEMBER 1996
The “Rama IX Art Museum Foundation” was established to advocate for the Bangkok Contemporary Art Centre project, while looking for a specific organization to take on the responsibility for its building. At the same time preparation was made for the exhibition “Art in the Reign of King Rama IX.”
29 DECEMBER 1996
HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn represented His Majesty the King in presiding over the official opening ceremony of the “Art in the Reign of King Rama IX” exhibition on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the throne, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. The exhibition was held between 30 December 1996 and 8 January 1997. His Majesty the King lent 31 of his own paintings to the exhibition, along with more than 1,100 works by other artists. After the event, 108 works were donated to the Foundation.
2 MARCH 1997
HRH Princess Chulabhorn represented His Majesty the King in presiding over the “Jazz in the Park” concert for the Rama IX Contemporary Art Centre Project at Saranrom Park. After the concert, the committee presented the proceeds of 4,145,817.50 Baht to the Princess. This sum was later returned toward establishing the Bangkok Art and Culture Foundation.
DECEMBER 1997
The “Bangkok Art and Cultural Foundation” was established, with Kraisak Choonhavan as secretary-general, to gather support for the construction of the “Golden Jubilee Celebration Bangkok Contemporary Art Centre”
JULY-NOVEMBER 1998
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration under Governor Dr. Bhichit Rattakul set up a committee to establish guidelines for an architectural design competition for the art centre, along with a committee to oversee the procedures and criteria for the competition.
30 NOVEMBER 1998
Robert G. Boughey and Associates Co., Ltd. won the competition and was asked to further develop drawings for construction.
7 MAY 2000
Dr. Bhichit Rattakul laid the foundation to begin the construction of the art centre at Pathumwan Junction. The event included an exhibition of the contestant’s designs.
28 JULY 2000
A new Bangkok governor was elected.
AUGUST 2000
The new governor changed the project of the contemporary art centre to a commercial building with private investment for 30 years. The plan was to establish a shopping centre, and the art centre was to become a minor part of the building. The decision totally changed the concept and philosophy of the original design.
31 AUGUST 2000
The Council of Fine and Applied Arts Deans of Thailand, headed by Prof. Preecha Thaothong, submitted a petition against the cancellation of the original plan and requested an explanation from the Governor.
26 SEPTEMBER 2000
The Council of Fine and Applied Arts Deans of Thailand held an official meeting at Parliament to gather allies who also disagreed with the cancellation.
27 FEBRUARY 2001
A group of artists, led by Vasan Sitthiket and Pratuang Emjaroen, organised the “Give Back our Art Centre” campaign by assembling in front of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Office and calling to on the Governor to reinstate the project.
3 MARCH 2001
The first meeting of the artists at the foundations location, Pathumwan Junction. The “ Artist’ Network for Bangkok Contemporary Art Centre” was formed to run the campaign to reinstate the original project for the contemporary art centre.
15 MARCH 2001
The Council of Fine and Applied Arts Deans of Thailand, with the National Artist, Artist of Distinction, independent artists, art lecturers, art scholars, performers, singers, art students, and art lovers, held a public forum opposing the cancellation of the art centre at the Silpa Bhirasri Monument Square, Faculty of Painting Sculpture and Graphic Arts, Silpakorn University.
20 MARCH 2001
The Council of Fine and Applied Arts Deans of Thailand, with the Thai National Committee of the International Association of Art, Nation Artists, Artist of Distinction, independent artists, executives of art schools, members of the press and art students, issued a statement requesting the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to review the plan and explain the reasons for the changes at the Faculty of Painting Sculpture and Graphic Arts, Silpakorn University.
1 JUNE 2001
The president of the Council of Fine and Applied Arts Deans of Thailand, Prof. Preecha Thaothong, presented a petition to Privy Councillor General Prem Tinsulanonda, the Prime Minister, the Minister of the Interior, the Deputy Minister of the Interior, the Minister of Education, the Minister of the University Bureau, the President of Parliament, the president of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council, the President of the Art and the Cultural Commission, and the Democrat Party leader.
9 JUNE 2001
Over 100 paintings were exhibited at Fortune Hotel. Fifteen works were sold by auction for 600,000 Baht, and given to the campaign by the Artists Network.
28 JULY-9 AUGUST 2001
The art exhibition “I call for an Art Centre, Not a Shopping Centre” at the Art Centre Foundations location, Pathumwan Junction, was held and a plan for the longest painting in the world was announced.
18 AUGUST-16 OCTOBER 2001
Rallies for the campaign “I call for an Art Centre, Not a Shopping centre” were held in many places including university campuses in Bangkok and elsewhere.
20 SEPTEMBER 2001
Prof. Preecha Thaothong, musician Nga Caravan, and the Artists’ Network presented a letter to the secretary of the Prime Minister requesting a public hearing on the art centre.
30 OCTOBER 2001
The Senate Committee on Public Participation, agreed to hold a public hearing on the Art Centre.
3 NOVEMBER 2001
About 100 members of the Artists’ Network and other volunteers held the longest artwork parade, starting from the Pathumwan Junction and ending at the Bangkok City Hall. Each in the parade carried a set of five paintings stitched together, and jointly they stretched to four kilometres. The rest of the works were taken by three pick-up trucks to the City Hall. About 4,000 paintings were laid in front of the City Hall for an hour, and a message was posted at the entrance.
3-11 APRIL 2002
150 works selected from the 4,000 were exhibited and sold at the Tadu Contemporary Art Gallery to raise funds for the campaign. Fifteen works were selected to be sold by auction.
9 APRIL 2002
The project to build the new shopping centre was cancelled after the Administrative Court of Thailand agreed to the hearing of case no.636/45 presented by Prof. Preecha Thaothong, Jon Ungpakorn, Chumpon Apisuk, Warin Tiamcharat, and nine others, for the public hearing on the art centre.
MAY-JUNE 2004
During the governor election, the Artists’ Network held a meeting to expand collaboration with the general public and various cultural organizations. The meeting agreed to found the “People’s Network for the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre.”
8 AUGUST 2004
The first press conference of the People’s network was held at the Jim Thomson House, to begin the campaign giving the public and prospective candidates for Bangkok Governor information about the importance of the art centre.
22-28 AUGUST 2004
The People’s Network for the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre organized the “Art Vote” rally at the Pathumwan Junction art centre building location, which had then become a public park. The event aimed to collect 50,000 signatures, to back a petition to present to the new governor of Bangkok. The Network organized a cultural programme, and volunteers set “ballot booths” at various university campuses in Bangkok to give many more people to join the campaign. The Network met with prospective governor candidates to push the idea of the art centre as a policy plank for the new administration.
28 AUGUST 2004
Counting of the public votes. One of the voters was the candidate Mr. Apirak Kosayodhin.
6 SEPTEMBER 2004
Mr. Apirak Kosayodhin was declared the Bangkok Governor. The People’s Network for the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre presented the project of the art centre to the new governor, and it was approved.
24 JANUARY 2005
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, led by Governor Apirak Kosayodhin, set up the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre Organizing Committee, with the governor as chairperson and three subcommittees to oversee the project. The committees
were:
1. Construction Subcommittee-Emeritus Prof. Dr. Trungjai Buranasomphop, chairperson
2. Management Policy Planning Subcommittee-Chatvichai Promadhattavedi, chairperson
3. Network and People Participation Subcommittee-Prof. Preecha Thaothong, chairperson
The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre Organizing Committee agreed to follow the original design by Robert G.Boughey and Associates Co., Ltd. The project was expected to be completed by December 2006 to celebrate the 80th birthday of His Majesty the King.
Bangkok Council approved a 509 million Baht budget for construction.
15 JULY 2005
A joint meeting of the government (BMA) and the public (representatives of public and private art organizations, artists, students, youth, and the press) was held to deliberate the draft of the Declaration of Cooperation in the Fields of Art and Culture.
19 AUGUST 2005
the “Declaration of Cooperation in the Fields of Art and Culture by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and Alliances in the Fields of Art Culture” was signed at Benjasiri Park.
The process of setting up the “Bangkok Art and Culture Centre Foundation” began.
20 SEPTEMBER 2005
The contract was signed with Sino-Thai Engineering & Construction Public Co. Ltd to build the BACC, with the projected time of construction of 570 days.
22 DECEMBER 2006
Press event to update the progress of the building of the BACC by Mr. Apirak Kosayodhin, Bangkok Governor, on the BTS walkway, National Stadium Station.
19-22 APRIL 2007
Bangkok organized the Art exhibit “Add Art to Life…Create Artists for Bangkok” at the Siam Paragon shopping centre to announce the construction of the BACC.
17 JULY 2007
Completed the registration to establish the BACC Foundation, with the Governor as the chairperson of the Foundation.
30 NOVEMBER 2007
Bangkok organized the Soft Launch in front of the as yet to be completed BACC building to announce the progress of the BACC project.
APRIL-MAY 2008
The BMA organized the art camp “Let’s Grow Together” at the Central World shopping centre to promote the BACC project.
MAY 2008
The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre was completed after four years of construction.
29 JULY 2008
29 July 2008 The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre was opened to the public.
Declaration of Cooperation in the Fields of Art and Culture
This is the first time that Thailand has signed a declaration in the field of art and culture, which is a consequence of the campaign for the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. Mr. Aphirak Kosayothin, the Governor of Bangkok at the moment, received the suggestion from the Campaign and Network for People’s Participation Sub Committee that the declaration will be the first step for both the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (public) and artistic organisations (private) to cooperate in improving our art and culture and also to increase the support for creativity and academic research.
After collecting the results of research on art and culture, and coordinating with the mission, vision, and objectives of the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, including examining the relevant laws, the “Declaration of Cooperation in the Fields of Art and Culture by Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and Allied Organisations in the Fields of Art and Culture” was signed on the 19 August 2005 at Benjasiri Park.
This is the first time that Thailand has signed a declaration in the field of art and culture, which is a consequence of the campaign for the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. Mr. Aphirak Kosayothin, the Governor of Bangkok at the moment, received the suggestion from the Campaign and Network for People’s Participation Sub Committee that the declaration will be the first step for both the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (public) and artistic organisations (private) to cooperate in improving our art and culture and also to increase the support for creativity and academic research.
After collecting the results of research on art and culture, and coordinating with the mission, vision, and objectives of the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, including examining the relevant laws, the “Declaration of Cooperation in the Fields of Art and Culture by Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and Allied Organisations in the Fields of Art and Culture” was signed on the 19 August 2005 at Benjasiri Park.
Bangkok Declaration in the Fields of Art and Culture Between The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and The Art and Culture Alliance
- We recognize the fact that art and culture contributes to the enrichment of both individual and communal life. We are committed to render due support, with active and meaningful popular participation, to further publicize and safeguard the creative endeavours of artists as inalienable rights to civil liberty as enshrined in our 1997 Constitution as well as in the universally recognized UN Declaration of Human Rights.
- We recognize the vital role of artists and art organizations in education and shall support them in developing and disseminating a holistic body of knowledge to children and youth at all levels, both in formal and informal education systems. We shall promote a well balanced learning approach which combines artistic expressions, academic knowledge and moral values, and enhances imaginative and creative skills.
- We are committed to promote appropriate applications of modern technology for the creation and conservation of artistic works, for the benefit of academic research, the sharing of learning experiences in all levels, being local, provincial, city, national, regional and international.
- We are committed to promote the active and meaningful participation of artists and art organizations in the implementation of the policy set forth by the BMA whilst collaboratively creating artistic and cultural initiatives to be carried out in communities and areas under the jurisdiction of the BMA.
- We are committed to promote and strengthen institutions which are actively engaged in artistic and creative activities at all levels. Drawing on the capacity of art to cross linguistic and cultural borders and to contribute to mutual understanding between the peoples, we shall facilitate artistic and cultural exchange programmes on an international scale. Within this context, particular emphasis must be placed on promoting cultural dignity, moral integrity, transparency and cultural diversity as well as on the encouragement of public participation in order to support sustainable development, and earnestly resolving conflicts and confrontation.
- We shall duly promote and render support to the mass media in presenting to society at large artistic and cultural works, as part of our overall endeavours to publicize artistic and cultural expressions, which in themselves reflecting the society.
- We shall act in concerted efforts to promote and create equal opportunity for artistic and creative expression, focusing on those who are disadvantaged and marginalized, for a more just and humane society.
- We shall jointly advocate for a social security programme for professional artists and call upon the concerned agencies and organizations both in public and private sectors to come up with formal, systematic and legally established guarantees in terms of social security, social services and due benefits for those genuinely and professionally engaging in the arts. We are committed to collectively safeguard the rights and benefits earned by those who create artistic and cultural works, as part of the overall scheme to prevent any untoward infringement.
- We shall conscientiously advocate and continuously lobby for the allocation of funds from the concerned agencies, both governmental and non-governmental, in order to enable genuine artistic achievements, bona fide creative endeavours in the arts as well as educational programmes and research projects aiming at the advancement of art and culture.
Architecture
Achitecture Main Concept
Four major considerations were used in the development of the design concept.:
1 >
To create a building that was flexible in its use, and one which allows the artwork to be displayed in flexible arrangements in the various spaces with different light, volume and character.
2 >
To create a building of appropriate character including reference to Thai architecture. The building will be an important icon in Thai culture. It must be exciting, inviting and usable, and should reflect the dynamism of Thai modern Art.
3 >
The Building was designed to have high spaces to accommodate the art. In addition the central space should act as a symbol of the building and should set the tone for the entire interior.
4 >
The building, especially the galleries must make optimum use of natural but controlled natural light. The upper floors of the building, which house the galleries allow the most opportunity to advance this idea.
Of major importance was the integration of the commercial area as a support facility to the museum. In our opinion to make the commercial area a completely separate entity, would not be commercially viable, since traditionally center shopping centers are larger than that outlined in the design program. With proper management and a proper selection of shops related to art, both the gallery and the commercial area can be mutually supportive.
Building Form
Although the building houses separate functions including commercial areas, it is designed as one architectural theme. Interior space is developed around a central circular atrium that provides a visual highlight when entering the building. It also leads the eye to the upper floors that house the main gallery rooms. The central forms allow the activities of various functions to be seen. Since this is a building for the public, excitement and the showing of the various activities that will take place will allow civic interaction. The central spaces also lend itself to an easily understood access and flexibility. The Building is designed a continuous space. In the future should it be desired to change some of the commercial area into gallery use, this can be easily done.
Characteristic
The building should be modern in every respect but at the same time should reference historic or generic Thai forms. The architectural design references echo several characteristic Thai shapes and forms.
- Slanted walls that have been a part of Thai architecture have been incorporated in the exterior Building shape.
- Narrow window slits that are a typical Thai form have been used with a modern variation in pattern and shape.
- The curves of Thai roof and other Thai forms such as dance positions and traditional ware, have been interpreted by using Curved Profiles on certain roof elements and sun screens
Design Concept
Central Space
The central atrium is designed to be an important element in the image of the building, and act as a unifier to the various activities envisaged. It is hoped that it will become an important public space in Bangkok and act as a catalyst between art and the interested public. It is designed as a very public space with much activity, public interaction, and anticipation of the art in the galleries. The space is circular in plan and is crowned with a skylight. The centre circulation ramp takes the circular shape. In this space it is possible to observe other activities of the building
Gallery
Flexibility Diversity and Interest : The architecture should play a supportive role to the art displayed. While allowing flexibility in arrangement and layout, the galleries should provide the opportunity of different spaces and characteristics to display the artwork.
Architect : Robert G. Boughey and Associates
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Contact us
Tel. 02 214 6630-8
Fax. 02 214 6639
(Tuesday – Saturday 09.30 – 18.00 hrs.)
