Art finds A HOME

After 12 years and three city administrations, Bangkok will soon open its first contemporary art museum, in the heart of the city.

But with the museum just six months away, concerns are turning to its administration, and some in the arts community fear mismanagement could destroy the project's good intentions.

The Bt509-million Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre, or BACC, of which the museum will be the centrepiece, was initiated in 1995 by then city governor Bhichit Rattakul.

It failed to materialise during his term and plans for it were altered drastically by his successor, Samak Sundaravej. Again, it did not take off, due to opposition from the arts community.

In 2005, Governor Apirak Kosayodhin revived the original scheme. It is now in the final stages of construction near Siam Square in central Bangkok. It will open in January.

For the local arts community, residents and international visitors, the museum has been a long time coming. Bangkok is one of the world's few large cities without a purpose-built contemporary arts museum.

"This project promises to help improve the quality of life for city residents. It represents a significant step forwards in terms of enriching the city's cultural and artistic life," said centre cultural management subcommittee head Chatvichai Promadhattavedi.

For artists, the centre and the museum will provide space to display works. For city residents it will be an alternative venue for spending quality time. For tourists, Bangkok can now offer a choice for art and culture.

Architecturally, the centre promises to be breathtaking - an 11-level cylindrical building with exhibition space, galleries, a library, theatre and shops.

Half of the total space is dedicated to arts and cultural activities, with another 25 per cent turned over to arts-related commerce.

Construction is due for completion in October. Two months are needed for checks and the grand opening is set for January.

The opening had been planned for December in order to mark the 80th birthday of His Majesty the King. However, construction remains behind schedule due to traffic around Siam Square.

"We have been waiting for 12 years. Why not another six months?" asked sympathetic Jaruwach Wongkhamjan, a 46-year-old artist.

"This project is great," he added. "Artists have long been deprived of space to show off their talent. BACC will allow independent artists to reach an audience.

"Currently, thousands of artists in Bangkok have to resort to privately owned galleries. Only those who have money, fame or connections can have exhibitions."

Artist and writer Suchart Sawasdisri said the centre would be "terrific" for the contemporary arts scene.

"I hope there will be space at the centre for outstanding literary work, too. For all kinds of artists, especially new faces, the place should help increase their chance of recognition," Suchart said.

Jirawan Jeenwan, curator of the alternative art centre HOF Art, said: "For art buyers, it can serve as a big market. So more artists can make a decent living out of their work."

However, Suchart and others remain unconvinced the centre will be properly managed.

"My worry is it could be abused by excess bureaucracy and commercial interests. We need independent management to run the place or it could become another mess.

"We must not repeat past mistakes - as in the case of Chao Fah National Museum, which is now a graveyard due to bureaucratic mismanagement," warned Suchart.

A vibrant arts centre needs visionary leadership recognised by the arts community. Apart from waiting for proposals from artists, management needs to be proactive, too.

Curator Jirawan said competent management was key to success for the centre.

"Managing an arts centre is a sensitive job and full of detail. We need proper incentives for artists to participate in activities and attractions to draw visitors. Otherwise, the Bt500-million will have been wasted," she said.

Chatvichai, who helped governor Apirak implement BACC, told The Nation his team was considering management options.

"We agree the centre should be administrated independently. We are considering establishing a new foundation under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to run the centre," he added.

The proposed foundation would include people from various sectors with a mission to promote diversity of arts and culture.

For visitors, Chatvichai said the centre will target youth and bring artistic and cultural activities to more schools.

The centre will become a magnet for tourists visiting the Siam Square area, Chatvichai predicted.

"Compared with most contemporary art centres in the world, we're quite unique in the sense we aim to be slightly more practical in managing both artistic and commercial interests," he said.

Jirawan said professional and public participation was at the heart of success. The city needs a publicity blitz to increase awareness about the centre, since many residents and even artists are not yet aware of it.

Kamol Sukin

The Nation