Sima: The Sour Sense of Sustainability
Sima is a small fruit that grows in clusters, offering a unique sour taste. This perennial plant thrives on high hills and holds cultural significance for the Akha people. Ma Peng – Phongsila Commak, the founder of the Sansaicisco Project and a member of the Slow Food Network, discovered Sima during a visit to his friend, Lee Ayu Chuepa, owner of the renowned coffee brand Akha Ama. This encounter unveiled new potential for this high-altitude fruit.Ma Peng learned from his South American friends in the Slow Food network about a movement to reclaim rivers in South America. This was driven by the massive cultivation of avocados to meet global demand. Given that avocados require significantly more water than lemons or corn, this trend has led to serious environmental issues, particularly affecting nearby rivers. Concerned that Thailand, where avocado cultivation was starting to gain momentum, might face similar challenges, Ma Peng sought environmentally friendly alternatives that could also benefit local farmers, which led him to Sima.Sima is a native plant of the Akha people, thriving easily in their high-altitude villages. Every Akha household has Sima trees interspersed among their crops, and these perennial trees can be harvested without being cut down. The Akha culture is deeply intertwined with Sima, which plays a vital role in various traditions.“When Akha couples build their homes, they must first plant a Sima tree. If the tree thrives, they can proceed with building their home. This is significant because when they have children, they boil Sima leaves and bathe the child in Sima water, marking them as true Akha. In the past, if someone fell ill, it was believed that brushing Sima branches over the sick person would chase away illness. Beyond its cultural significance, Sima is also used in traditional Akha cooking, such as being fermented with fish before grilling in banana leaves,” explained Ma Peng.The longstanding relationship between the Akha and Sima has led to the development of expertise in cultivating and managing the plant. Since every household grows Sima, it can be easily harvested and dried under their homes, ensuring it lasts much longer than other crops. This durability allows the Akha to avoid the disadvantages of perishability when negotiating with middlemen. Recognizing Sima’s potential, Ma Peng has dedicated the past two years to promoting it as a valuable ingredient.Ma Peng began by organizing activities to invite city dwellers to learn about Sima directly from Akha experts. He also collaborated with chefs to experiment with Sima in various dishes to explore its culinary potential. Later, he worked with Asst.Prof. Aussama Soontrunnarudrungsri, the sensory analysis of food and non-food products from the Faculty of Agro-Industry, Kasetsart University to analyze Sima’s components, discovering its unique sourness and identifying optimal culinary uses. This information was compiled into a guidebook to assist chefs and food enthusiasts in integrating Sima into their recipes.With support from the Creative Economy Agency (CEA), Ma Peng has been advocating for Sima to become a recognized local ingredient that contributes to Chiang Mai’s economy. This initiative culminated in an event during Chiang Mai Design Week 2023, where various food businesses showcased Sima in their creations.For instance, Madae Slow Fish, a restaurant supporting local fishermen, used Sima mixed with salt to coat fish while grilling. Helo Cola, a craft cola maker, incorporated Sima as a key ingredient, giving their cola a distinctive Northern Thai flavor. Adirak Pizza experimented with Sima in a dish featuring fresh cheese, while Noir, a jazz bar, crafted mocktails and cocktails using Sima. Bar.san infused Sima with soda in their highball cocktail, creating a drink with a unique aroma.Following these experiments, a meeting was held at TCDC Chiang Mai to discuss the possibilities and challenges of using Sima as an ingredient. There was unanimous agreement on its potential value, not only as a unique local ingredient but also as a means to support the environment and the Akha community.Ma Peng plans to consult economists to assess the ideal pricing for Sima, ensuring it remains accessible to the general public and not just confined to high-end restaurants. His vision is for Sima to become a staple ingredient in every household, benefiting both consumers and the Akha community.“I dream of Sima becoming a common kitchen ingredient that anyone can use. It’s a local product that directly benefits the villagers. My goal is to promote it without personally selling it. If someone is interested, I will simply direct them to where they can buy it from the Akha community, benefiting them directly. I want to see local plants gain economic value. If we support ten types of local plants, villagers could earn a stable income without having to uproot their original crops to grow new ones, which could harm the environment, especially in watershed areas. Moreover, if a plant is part of their culture, they will take pride in their identity when others recognize the value of what they have. I believe Sima can achieve that,” Ma Peng concluded.
Exploring the Concept of Circular Economy in POPMARKET Vendor’s Training Program
This year, the exhibitions, workshops, and activities in the Chiang Mai Design Week 2024 revolve around the central theme of “SCALING LOCAL: Creativity, Technology and Sustainability.” Going along the same line, POP Market, an event where creative entrepreneurs from all across the Northern region showcase their crafts and products, is also grounded on the notion of ‘sustainability.’ As POP Market takes place only once a year during the Chiang Mai Design Week, the important question is how to organize the event, despite its temporary nature, in a sustainable manner to align with the main theme. This includes not only the sustainability of the products, but also that of their packaging, as well as the materials used in setting up the booths, the level of energy efficiency, and waste management in the event. All these efforts are to ensure the key message of the event is successfully delivered to everyone coming to this year’s market. For this purpose, Chiang Mai’s Creative Economy Agency (CEA), in conjunction with Somdul Chiang Mai Group, conducted a training program for POP Market’s vendors earlier this August. Some 120 creative entrepreneurs who have been selected to participate in this year’s market (bringing along such a wide variety of products ranging from lifestyle brands, home decorations, accessories, fashion items, to food and drinks) were invited to join in a workshop with Kamonnart Ongwandee, designer, speaker, and sustainable fashion consultant from CIRCO Circular Design Trainer, and Sittichat Sukpholtham, climate change researcher and consultant from CREAGY, to seek the way to drive POP Market towards sustainability. The program of the workshop was divided into two days, providing a profound understanding of circular economy. On this occasion, Kamonnart hosted a workshop on ‘the Importance of Sustainable Design in Creative Economy and How to Convey Sustainable Values to Consumers.’ The second workshop, ‘Carbon Accounting/Basic Carbon Footprint Calculation,’ was conducted by Sittichat to equip participants with fundamental knowledge about carbon accounting and offer them a chance to try calculating the carbon footprint of their own business. Kamonnart began by elaborating the importance of the operation of businesses driven by the notion of sustainability, claiming that it is not merely a fad that would fade away over time. In fact, it helps create a distinct and appealing brand image for small business owners, so that they can remain relevant in the fierce price competition against mass-produced Chinese products flooding into the Thai market in recent years. “Right now, it is very important to present the brand image through storytelling, as it can set a product apart in the market. This can be in terms of material sources, connections with the environment and local community, as well as the manufacturing processes, the usages of the product, and the management of the used product to minimize impacts on the environment. Not only will these contribute to the worth of the products, they will also create value added for the products as well,” said Kamonnart. Sittichat then mentioned the significance of calculating carbon footprint not only for large corporates, but for businesses on all levels, as the understanding on this topic can help small enterprises save manufacturing costs and enable them to realize their strengths and weaknesses in their business operations as a whole. “The point of calculating carbon footprint is to keep track of the amount of energy used in daily activities. Remember that energy is also a huge part in the cost of business operation, from transportation fuel, electricity, to cooking gas. If you know the extent to which you use the energy, then you can cut down the unnecessary costs. You don’t even have to replace every electrical appliance you have with energy-saving ones. Just inspect the parts with excessive usage and address them one at a time,” stated Sittchat. Kamonnart further added that in the future, the knowledge about carbon footprint will no longer be something far removed from small entrepreneurs, since such governmental mechanisms as carbon taxes or Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulations (ESPR) have already been implemented on large corporates – the move which will soon trickle down to medium and small businesses. “The world is now in need of raw materials, products, and services that align with the ideas of a circular and low-carbon economy, especially when it comes to the increasingly ‘green’ procurement policies among public sectors, which will raise the demand for sustainable products and services in general.” “So, it is better to adopt sustainable practices in business operations now, and when the time actually comes, you will be ready to embrace the change. You can also leverage the sustainable approach to set yourself apart from competitors, using it as the key concept in product advertisement. In addition, it will be easier for you to expand to the international market, as more and more emphasis has been put on the issue,” said Kamonnart. During the workshop, smaller sustainability-driven brands of products and services both from Thailand and abroad were introduced as some examples of enterprises which have successfully found a niche in today’s market. Kamonnart also brought up some interesting models of temporary flea markets organized on the basis of a green and circular economy. The first one is Bamboo Family Market (taking place around Louis Intersection, San Kamphaeng District, Chiang Mai, on Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 4 PM). The market organizers attempt to pass on the awareness on sustainability from sellers to buyers, mainly by promoting local products made with natural materials and by implementing an upstream waste management system, in which sellers are asked to provide reusable food containers, with washing sinks and clearly designated waste sorting stations ready for use. Another interesting example is Green Market (which took place during the Cry Mate Festival at Museum Siam, Bangkok, between 18 and 19 May, 2024). The event offered a service called Ecocrew, in which visitors first paid a 20-baht deposit for a food container, and then bought the container for another 5 baht. When they brought the container to purchase food items at any stall in the market, they would get a 5-baht discount in return for the amount paid initially. After that, when the customers returned the container at the returning point, they would get the 20-baht deposit back. In this way, customers did not have to pay extra for the container cost, and the earth was not burdened with non-degradable waste that could have been generated from the market. “I think Chiang Mai and many other cities in the Northern region do have decent foundations for a circular economy. There are a lot of handmade craftworks made with natural and circular materials. The region is the source of organic produce with leading quality, and local resources are looked after and promoted. All these can be an advantage in establishing the ground for sustainability-driven sales in the long run. “Even though the examples of waste management in the two markets mentioned here seem to come with quite a hassle both for sellers and consumers, they did prove to be a great appeal for both markets, and managed to spread the message about natural resource conservation among consumers,” stated Kamonnart. Sittichat also stressed the benefits business owners will get from setting the direction of their enterprises towards sustainability. He pointed out that when entrepreneurs become increasingly aware of the issues, the scope of players in business operations will expand from just ‘buyers’ and ‘sellers’ to all stakeholders in the value chain. This will broaden the perspectives of business owners, enabling them to be more informed about their strengths and weaknesses, as well as about the data and variables which can be utilized in business development. “Remember that small business owners and consumers contribute to the majority of the global economy. If sellers cannot convey sustainability values to buyers, there will be impacts on everyone’s behaviors and lifestyles. So, I believe individuals like every one of us are the actual driving force towards a better world,” Sittichat remarked towards the end of the workshop. These are bits and pieces of the vision of the two sustainability activists, some of which will be materialized during the POP Market event in this year’s Chiang Mai Design Week. Let’s meet at Chiang Mai Old Town neighborhood from 7 to 15 December, 2024, and make your contribution in spreading the ideas of conservation with your purchase of cool creative crafts available in the event. See you there!
Exploring Chiang Mai Design Week 2024 Through the Minds of 4 Leading Creators
Exploring Chiang Mai Design Week 2024 Through the Minds of 4 Leading Creators With the main theme of Scaling Local: Creativity, Technology, Sustainability, the 2024 Chiang Mai Design Week, set to take place between 7 and 15 December 2024, will explore the potentials of the Northern region, seeking ways to integrate creativity with technology with the aim to achieve sustainability and to push local products to global market. TCDC Chiang Mai strikes up conversations with the four members of the committee in charge of selecting creators to join in this year’s festival. They themselves are leading designers and entrepreneurs in Thailand’s creative industry. Let’s have a look at their perspective on the theme of SCALING LOCAL, the direction of the creative industry in the Northern region, and the outlook of the products featured in the 2024 Design Week!_________________________Craftwork + Technology = Economic SustainabilityAmornthep KatchanonFounder of AmoArte andConsultant to the Design & Objects Association (D&O) “From the outlook of the participants in this year’s festival, I think what’s very interesting is the direction of creative enterprises moving towards adopting more renewable resources and materials which help promote environmental sustainability. However, given our theme this year, the technology aspect is not really evident. This might be because most of the creative works in the north are handicrafts, so the designers might not be much concerned about technology.”“However, I think more technology should be employed. It might not have to be something advanced or on industrial scale, just some instruments or equipment to help facilitate certain manufacturing processes. I think this will greatly elevate the level of our craftwork. That said, I’m not against 100% handmade products. They’re undoubtedly the charm of the creative goods in Chiang Mai and the Northern region, but if you’re looking at the prospects of professional and economic sustainability, I think it’s vital to welcome new technologies into the scene.”_________________________Innovation to IndividualityPiyanan MahanuphapConsultant to Northern Handicraft Manufacturer and Exporter Association (NOHMEX) “In recent years, designs that depend on technologies like 3D printers or multimedia creative works have gained more popularity among local creators, which is a positive trend. However, it would be great if we can be innovative in the thought and manufacturing processes, starting from the very source of the materials, like the technology that goes into making the fabric, or an innovation to combine natural materials with technology to add value to the product. This would make the creative works unique while strengthening brand identity.” “Let me give you an example. There’s a particular brand that uses dried leaves and turns them into substitute material for leather. They have patented and used the material for their products. With innovation being at the core of their brand, this is the ultimate goal in terms of sustainability. Because it’s not only about preserving the environment, your brand must be able to survive as a business. What’s important is your brand must be outstanding and must go along the same direction as global trends. It might start as a small idea on a local scale, but if your business can persist, your brand will grow. And if your brand grows on the foundation of sustainability, I believe that’s the key to success.”_________________________Creative Designs Are Not Exclusive to DesignersNeither is Technology to the IT PeopleWisut LimareeFounder of Asiatides Paris and Owner of Wit’s Collection “With decades of experience running Asiatides as a mediator between producers and buyers of design products across Asia and Europe, I am well aware that the works of creators in the Northern region are of great beauty and intricacy, including those of the upcoming generation as well. The problem is most of these works cannot reach potential buyers, probably because of limitations in production and marketing, or the lack of a mediator connecting products to prospective buyers. It’s not only the creativity of the product. What’s equally important is how you’re going to sell it on a larger scale.” “As for this year’s participants, I think we’ve got great feedback from a new generation of entrepreneurs. But it would be best if educational institutes encourage more university students to submit their works. I’m not talking about just some project presentations, but actually producing a tangible prototype of their works. This would spark students’ interest in coming to the festival. In fact, during the festival, we’ve already got professional showcase programs, workshops, and business matching in place to support people in the industry, but if there is more space for displaying the works of students, young people in general, not only those studying design, might become more interested in the festival as well.” “I think a lot people are still stuck with the notion that the design festival is exclusive to those in the art and design circle, while if you look at design weeks abroad, you’ll see that there are people from all walks of life showcasing their works, from engineers, programmers, content creators, and many more. It’s true that the name is design week, but ‘design’ here is not only about designers. It’s the design of anything that helps facilitate our life, endows it with an aesthetic sense of beauty, or even elevates its overall quality. So, designs do not concern only designers, just like technology, one of this year’s main themes, is not restricted to those in the IT circle. It’s what surrounds us in our everyday life.” _________________________Progress Over Result: The Importance of Small Steps Along the WaySumet YodkaewOwner of Minimal Records and Lecturer atMedia Arts and Designs, Chiang Mai University“In this year’s design week, I’m responsible for two parts. That is, I’m acting as a member of a committee selecting the works to be showcased, and also as an organizer for LABBfest., which is a music festival featuring several artists based in the north. Looking at the first part, I see that there are a lot of returning showcases from festivals during the past years coming back with significant developments in many ways, from presentation strategies, branding tactics, to business expansion ideas. Many showcases exhibit thought processes similar to those in art research, interacting with time, seasons, specific contexts, and the daily lifestyles of locals, which makes them relevant for the audience. However, considering the dimension of technology, one of the key ideas of the festival, there is still a need to expand more towards this aspect.” “That said, I think the design weeks, or any other creative festivals for that matter, are only about presenting only the achievements. What’s important is we get to observe the improvements or processes of each creator, both individually and collectively, so that they can be lessons or inspirations for others. The charm of the festival is we get to see creators with existing bodies of works coming up with different concepts, as well as those with new developments or even the ones with flaws in their work which can be fixed with more experience.” “So is the case with LABBfest.. Apart from escalating the scale of the event, we have also invited music festival organizers from Japan to performances of local acts, not to mention promoters from record labels, who have been joining the festival for three consecutive years. I hope this will provide more opportunities for our local artists.” “I think Chiang Mai’s creative community and music scene share certain things in common, in that we have quite a great deal of space and opportunities in our ecosystem, and there are a lot of talents in the locality. What they lack, however, is a distinct character or individuality that would make them stand out among the crowd. To achieve that, one needs to gain more experience and exposure and constantly sharpen their skills. The chance to observe the works of other artists in this kind of festival or events will prove to be a great help in doing so.”
SCALING LOCAL: Creativity, Technology and Sustainability
Chiang Mai is renowned for its prestigious center of art and culture, cultivated wisdom, and creativity. However, the city also faces various pressing challenges that demand immediate solutions, from economic blockades and inequality to air pollution. While relying solely on creativity and design processes may not suffice to tackle these problems, the collective collaboration of all city residents is crucial. When everyone combines their city’s assets, exchanging and merging them, it can lead to transformative change. This process can also provide lessons to improve the quality of life for local and global communities. Chiang Mai Design Week serves as a platform for collaboration, held annually to showcase the innovative spirit and teamwork of creative minds across diverse fields in Chiang Mai and the North. The festival fosters collaboration by connecting local creative professionals and entrepreneurs with their counterparts in other Thai cities and internationally. This exchange of ideas sparks innovation and expands markets, all in pursuit of sustainable growth. This year marks the festival’s 10th anniversary with the theme ‘SCALING LOCAL: Creativity, Technology, and Sustainability.’ The aim is to strengthen the collaboration of local creative professionals and entrepreneurs to make a positive global impact. The theme is built around three pillars designed to help Chiang Mai address current and future challenges. Starting with the first pillar, ‘Creativity,’ the festival highlights it as the crucial resource of Chiang Mai. This resource has been generated from the collective wisdom of art and culture, combined with wise aesthetics passed down through generations over centuries. Creativity is also the resource that the festival invites everyone to explore, introspect, and proudly recognize its value. The second pillar, ‘Technology,’ serves as the tool for harnessing the city’s assets to their practical potential. In this context, technology is not only about facilitating human life but also about innovating to resolve community and social problems, as well as mitigating the environmental impacts of human activities, which is a global challenge. Additionally, this pillar serves as the medium to link all of Chiang Mai’s capabilities, driving economic growth and gaining global recognition. The final pillar, ‘Sustainability,’ represents the ultimate goal of collaboration. It encompasses the efforts of local creatives, entrepreneurs, and all contributing factors built on the foundation of creativity and technology. Sustainable practices will be rooted in fostering economic growth, social development, and opportunities for younger generations, while also prioritizing environmental responsibility. Throughout the 9 days of the festival in Chiang Mai, all three pillars will be highlighted in every activity, including exhibitions, talks, workshops, art activities, performances, film showcases, and music, as well as domestic and international business matchings. These pillars also emphasize the festival’s enduring principle over the past decade. We believe that real sustainability stems from the collective capabilities of individuals like us. Join us in celebrating the power of creativity, exploring and advancing innovation, and igniting the Chiang Mai creative industry to shine globally at Chiang Mai Design Week 2024, themed ‘SCALING LOCAL: Creativity, Technology, and Sustainability’, taking place from December 7 to 15, 2024, in Chiang Mai.
Official Announcement of the Participation
Homecoming Creators
Encounter the Visionaries: 6 Homecoming Creators Unveiling Their Impact at Chiang Mai Design Week (Part 2)Achariyar RojanapiromKalm Village’s Showcases Achariyar Rojanapirom is the co-founder of Kalm Village, a creative craft village and design hub in the heart of Chiang Mai Old Town. This space seamlessly combines a craft museum, art gallery, café, and lifestyle venue, all housed within magnificent contemporary Lanna architecture. In CMDW 2023, Kalm Village presents two wonderful exhibitions: ‘Color Lives: A Furniture Exhibition by Suwan Kongkhunthian’ and ‘Adat & Alam: Weaving the Ancestral Pathway,’ showcasing a series of crafts from Malaysian artisans. Additionally, Kalm Village organizes various workshops and talks covering topics in design, handicraft, and coffee brewing throughout the festival period.“This marks the second year that Kalm Village has co-organized the exhibition with TCDC Chiang Mai. We are honored to collaborate with Geremis Art, bringing a wonderful series of Malaysian crafts to be showcased in Chiang Mai. I hope all the programs we organize will inspire audiences to appreciate the value of folk crafts in different cultures amid the modern changing times,” said Achariyar.For more info about Kalm Village, visit https://www.kalmvillage.com/ ________________Suphicha TeddaroonChiang Mai Busking programSuphicha Teddaroon is the vocalist of Suthep Band, a Chiang Mai-based pop band with influences from retro, northern Thai, and country music. Beyond his role as a musician, Suphicha is also the founder of Chiang Mai Original, a live music venue and social group dedicated to expanding the presence of live music in public spaces in Chiang Mai and generating more opportunities for local musicians. In CMDW 2023, Chiang Mai Original is organizing the ‘Chiang Mai Busking’ program, inviting 30 bands from Chiang Mai and other regions to perform in the four main areas of the festival. This initiative reflects Suphicha’s commitment to promoting the work of local musicians and bringing vibrant live music to the public spaces of Chiang Mai.“Last year, I participated in the Busking World Cup in Gwangju, a busking music festival in Gwangju, South Korea. This festival invites musicians worldwide to audition, and those who pass receive expenses to perform in various locations across Gwangju city. This program not only brings diverse live music to enhance the city’s atmosphere but also serves as a means to promote Gwangju tourism through the social media channels of participants from around the world.“As I have an intention to promote Chiang Mai musicians, I brought this idea to discuss with TCDC Chiang Mai, leading to the creation of the Chiang Mai Busking program in CMDW 2023. I believe that if the busking programs are strategically placed and timed, they can enhance the atmosphere of the city, similar to the music scene in London, where musicians are also supported by the government. Chiang Mai boasts many prominent landmarks and cool public spaces. If we have busking bands featuring local musicians, this could further elevate our status as a creative city, generate more income for locals, and creatively utilize public spaces,” said Suphicha. For more info about Chiang Mai Original, visit https://www.facebook.com/chiangmaioriginal/?locale=th_TH ________________Apichai Tienvilairat Len Yai: Performance Arts Apichai Tienvilairat is the founder of Little Shelter, a chic boutique hotel that blends Lanna culture into stylish contemporary architecture and design, earning numerous international accolades. This hotel serves as an art and design platform, providing space for art galleries, local designer shops, theaters, performance art showcases, and creative workshops. In CMDW 2023, Apichai collaborates with Chaiwat Lochotinant to organize ‘Len Yai: Performance Arts’, a series of street performance shows spanning eight areas in Chang Moi and Tha Pae, featuring over 40 performing artists.“I originally hail from Lampang. After working as an engineer and consultant in construction and real estate management in Bangkok for many years, circumstances led me to return to my hometown to care for my family. That’s when I decided to open Little Shelter in Chiang Mai. This hotel aligns perfectly with my interests because it’s more than just accommodation; it actively contributes to the art and culture ecosystem of Chiang Mai through various activities hosted on-site.“I’m fascinated by Chiang Mai as a multi-cultural city that serves as the hub of Lanna art and culture. In the contemporary context, this city attracts people from all over the world to live, travel, and work, earning its reputation as a famous international community. Due to this unique character, Chiang Mai is bustling with various forms of aesthetics and artists.“Len Yai: Performance Arts is a project I’m co-hosting with the performance art curator Chaiwat Lochotinant. We identified numerous areas in Chang Moi and Thapae with the potential to transform these corners into temporary performance stages. Subsequently, we invited artists from various practices to perform on these stages during CMDW 2023.“As mentioned, Chiang Mai is teeming with different creators. With consistent support for them, the power of creativity can transform into the charms of the city and become a driving force in its economic growth,” said Apichai.For more info about Little Shelter, visit https://littleshelterhotel.com/
Homecoming Creators
Encounter the Visionaries: 6 Homecoming Creators Unveiling Their Impact at Chiang Mai Design Week (Part 1)CMDW emphasizes the inclusion of homecoming creators, including designers, artists, artisans, etc., who return to their hometowns in Chiang Mai and the north of Thailand to collaborate with local creators and entrepreneurs. We believe that by combining the diverse visions and experiences of these returning individuals with those of local creators, we can not only bolster each other’s creative strength but also cultivate new opportunities for our creative industry. Now, let’s introduce the six homecoming creators we want you to meet.COTH Studio (Kawisara Anansaringkarn and Chalermkiat Somdulyawat)Showcases: Everyday Contem / Persona of Things/ Local CabinetsCOTH Studio is an interdisciplinary design studio founded by architects, designers, and exhibition creators Kawisara Anansaringkarn and Chalermkiat Somdulyawat. They have been the driving force behind numerous captivating design exhibitions in Thailand. Additionally, they collaborate with local artisans to elevate regional handicrafts into unique products tailored for the global market.In CMDW 2023, COTH Studio took charge of creating three showcases: ‘Everyday Contem’ (TCDC Chiang Mai), where they provided a platform for homecoming creators to collaborate with local artisans in developing products that align with contemporary demands; ‘Persona of Things’ (Mantana Building, Chang Moi Rd.), an initiative inviting artisans to repair broken objects while adding new functions and designs to them; and ‘Local Cabinets’ (De Siam Warehouse, Hang Dong district), a display featuring wooden cabinets infused with extra design elements inspired by Chiang Mai’s landmarks, transforming these cabinets into art pieces.Photo Credit: Chiang Mai Design Week“Observing that working as a lone wolf creator or letting the designer be the sole focal point of every design hasn’t proven effective. These designers may not fully comprehend the contextual insights necessary for their designs, such as knowledge of local materials and practical usage. Therefore, we firmly believe that good design must emerge from the collaborative efforts between the designer and local individuals, whether they are artisans, users, or holders of traditional wisdom. This approach fosters a sense of pride as co-owners of the design.“For the Homecoming project of CMDW 2023, we had the opportunity to survey many artisan communities in the north of Thailand and realized that these villages possess significant potential to elevate their crafted wisdom into sustainable product design. However, enhancing these creations requires a collaboration of our vision with their skills and experiences. The outcome may not yield instant or highly commercial products, but what we achieve are genuine items that authentically reflect the identity of the villagers. These creations align with local skills, materials, and functions. COTH Studio expressed, ‘We believe showcasing the process in this manner may convince other designers who share our mutual beliefs.” For more info about COTH Studio, visit https://www.cothstudio.com/ _______________________Thanatcha ChairinShowcase: Transforming Local Thanatcha Chairin is an artist and lecturer in the Faculty of Fine Arts at Chiang Mai University. She created various forms of art, including sculpture, mixed media, and installations. Her work focuses on the modernization of social and cultural aspects that impact traditional ways of life and handicraft making.In CMDW 2023, Thanatcha showcases a series of wooden sculptures with the concept of Memento Mori (a symbolic trope acting as a reminder of the inevitability of death). These sculptures depict realistic creatures, with each half of their bodies presenting the bones inside their flesh. The showcase, titled ‘Transforming Local,’ is exhibited at TCDC Chiang Mai.Photo Credit: Chiang Mai Design Week“As someone born and raised in Chiang Mai, I’ve had the privilege to collaborate with local artisans, especially wooden sculptors. Over time, I’ve observed a fading of craftsmanship wisdom. For the Transforming Local exhibition, I visited numerous craft villages in Chiang Mai, collecting wooden craft objects to create the Memento Mori sculptures. This endeavor not only seeks to preserve the value of these objects in an era where such craftsmanship is gradually disappearing but also explores new possibilities for these craftworks within the realm of contemporary art,” said Thanatcha.For more info about the artist, visit https://thanatchachairin.wixsite.com/website?fbclid=IwAR3t1cJtNIFvDMP9siaNeMYmOsVbgmRqHVVN7FA1e-mnB1Uq-rQdp-uX1VU _______________________Witaya JunmaShowcase: Sound MomentWitaya Junma is an interactive installation artist who has received numerous international awards in art and design. A graduate of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Chiang Mai University, Witaya has expanded his fine art practice into digital art and experimental projects, inviting audiences to enrich their experiences through visuals, sound, and touch. In CMDW 2023, Witaya presents the ‘Sound Moment’ – a showcase of graphic motion accompanied by sounds extracted from crafted vinyl records.Photo Credit: Chiang Mai Design WeekThe exhibition invites audiences to choose two vinyl records displayed on the wall. Each vinyl features distinct graphic patterns on its surface, inspired by symbols associated with the locality of Chiang Mai. When these records are played on the phonographs, cameras positioned above the players capture scenes of the spinning records. These scenes are then displayed on the exhibition room’s screen. The symbols on the surface of the records synchronize with their corresponding sounds on the screen, creating a unique animation show for the audience. In essence, attendees can craft their own animations by selecting vinyl records. The Sound Moment exhibition is located on the first floor of the Thana-Arkarn Building on Ratchawong Rd.“Both the symbols on the surface of the records and their accompanying sounds reflect the essence of the northern Thailand locality where I grew up and studied. These symbols range from local birds and flowers to the sounds of the forest and city ambiance. I believe these carefully chosen combinations embody elements familiar to local people, yet, due to their proximity, often overlooked. However, these ordinary pairings serve as a rich source of inspiration, waiting for everyone to explore and enhance them for new creative endeavors.”For more info about the artist, visit http://www.witayajunma.com/ Chiang Mai Design Week 2024 will be held on the 7 – 15 December 2024 at Klang Vieng, Chang Moi District.Stay Tune!
Business Program: Several Ways of Growing Your Business
The Business Program is designed to enhance the potential and expertise of creative entrepreneurs by serving as a platform that connects buyers, makers, and creators, bringing them together. The program facilitates matching demands and supplies within the creative industry, expanding distribution channels and customer networks, and fostering cooperation. It also allows for idea-sharing between sellers and buyers to develop more innovative projects. The program includes Business Matching, Studio Visits, LABBfest, and Local Talent. Additionally, it collaborates with the Mango Art Festival to create a supporting mechanism for fresh and new opportunities, ideas, imaginations, and possibilities in the creative business.Business Matching The Business Matching program is a tool designed to boost creative businesses and pioneer new potential markets during Chiang Mai Design Week. The program aims to connect creative entrepreneurs in crafts and design, thereby expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs in the northern Thailand to showcase their products and services to targeted buyers and users. It also serves as a cooperative platform that links leading brands, not only in Thailand but also internationally, with participants from countries such as Laos, Taiwan, Japan, Scotland, and Russia to foster further business development in the future. Studio Visit The Studio Visit program is an exclusive opportunity that beckons high-potential buyers and creators from Thailand and around the globe to delve into the heart of Chiang Mai’s creative industry ecosystem. This immersive experience includes visits to handicraft factories and artist studios, providing audiences with insights into innovative ideas and methodologies while allowing them to appreciate the potential and preparedness of Chiang Mai’s creative business players. These site visits encompass various sources, from mass production facilities to custom producers. Moreover, this exclusive program serves as a unique platform where local and international figures within the creative business arena can converge, fostering collaborative partnerships and inspiring the discovery of fresh and innovative business solutions.LABBfest. LABBfest. offers a vibrant stage for artists from Chiang Mai and the northern region, whether independent musicians or professionals of diverse genres. This platform welcomes audiences and attracts music industry entrepreneurs and renowned music festival organizers from Thailand and abroad, including Myanmar, Taiwan, Japan, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Esteemed event organizers like Big Mountain and Monster Music Festival also join in to explore a rich tapestry of live music. These renowned organizers will thoughtfully curate some potential bands in this event to showcase their talents at upcoming national and international concerts. Furthermore, this platform serves as a hub for cultural exchange among musicians from various Asian countries, contributing to the growth of the music industry in the upper northern region on a national and global scale.Local Talent The Local Talent program provides tools that facilitate business negotiations between investors or employers and emerging creative talents seeking growth paths, skill development, and collaboration with aspirational brands in various local creative industries. This encompasses ceramics, fashion and textiles, and furniture design. The program also promotes investment in product and service development while nurturing innovative ideas to be functional, which focuses on participants in new generations and homecoming creators in the northern Thailand. Mango Art Festival Another highlight of the Business Program is when CEA collaborates with the organizers of the Mango Art Festival to create a platform for showcasing the potential of local artists in the northern region. The Mango Art Festival is a creative festival that presents the artwork of local artists, facilitating negotiations between artists, galleries, art organizations, product brands, and even leading global accommodation and hotel businesses. This year’s Chiang Mai Design Week, with its experienced curators, continues to seek unique and eye-catching artworks and semi-artistic designs. Participate in the Mango Art Fest once again to promote the art scene in the north and push the works of local artists, including emerging ones, to a broader audience.