Mae Fah Luang University (MFU) is hosting the "Redesign Culture, Revive Community" exhibition, showcasing work by designers from Chiang Rai and Nan provinces, from 21 January to 2 February 2025, at Bangkok Art and Culture Centre.
On 21 January 2025, MFU's Institute for Mekong Basin Civilization, Art and Culture organised the opening ceremony of the “Redesign Culture, Revive Community” exhibition, featuring collaborative works by community designers and MFU researchers through transforming local wisdom into creative designs under the Design Community Project. The project aims to drive sustainability through Vernacular Design across 10 communities from the old cities of Chiang Saen in Chiang Rai and Nan province.
The exhibition presents product and service developments that blend local wisdom with modern design concepts. The works focus on creativity and quality that respond to modern market needs while remaining environmentally friendly and sustainable.
The exhibition also showcases a design ecosystem approach that creates a value chain, enhancing income from creative and cultural tourism. It also aims to develop a sustainable design master plan that can serve as a model for long-term community and tourism development, aligned with UNESCO's creative cities principles.
The opening ceremony was attended by Asst. Prof. Dr.Matchima Naradisorn, President of Mae Fah Luang University; Assoc. Prof. Dr.Pollavat Praphattong, Head of MFU’s the Institute for Mekong Basin Civilization, Art and Culture and Head of Design Community Project; Mr. Yothin Tubtimthong, Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand, Nan office; Mr. Pisan Chansin, the Provincial Cultural Director of Chiang Rai Province; and Dr. Chalida Thaninkullaporn, Head of MFU’s the Intellectual Property and Innovation Management Division, with participation from key officials, media, and 30 community designers. The MFU President emphasised the university's commitment to reviving cultural capital in the Mekong sub-region, focusing on sustainable development and creative economy.
The project began in 2020 by collecting intangible cultural heritage (ICH) according to UNESCO guidelines, focusing on environmental wisdom from Chiang Saen and Nan old cities to develop prototype products to create added value for communities. In 2023, the project developed 10 design communities with over 30 local designers, generating more than 15% annual community income.
MFU's Institute for Mekong Basin Civilization, Art and Culture was established as a key organisation with a mission to revive cultural capital towards the creative economy and sustainable development of communities, and to implement the Design Community Project. Moreover, MFU plans to establish a Design School for communities in 2025, offering short-term courses to continue developing community designers.
