Chiang Mai – City of Creative Freedom 1. NAME OF CITY: CHIANG MAI 2. COUNTRY: THAILAND 3. CONTACTS 3.1 Mayor of the City MR. PHICHET PISUTTAKOON Deputy Provincial Administrative Organization Acting, Chief Executive of Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organization, Thailand Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organization Chotana Rd. , Chiang Mai 50300 Tel. 0-5399-8333 Ext. 112 3.2 Main contact MR. PATANA PUDTHAN Chief of the Subdivision of Project Monitoring and Evauation Division of Planning and budgeting Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organization Chotana Rd. , Chiang Mai 50300 Tel. 0-5399-8333 Ext. 403 3.3 Alternative Contact Mrs. SIRAPRAPA THEERAKAEW Cultural Officer of Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organization Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organization Chotana Rd. , Chiang Mai 50300 Tel. 0-5399-8333 Ext. 509 4. CREATIVE FIELD: Crafts and Folk Arts 5. GENERAL PRESENTATION OF THE CITY: Presentation of the main geographical, demographic, cultural and economic characteristics of the city; mode of governance, principal cultural facilities and infrastructures, international connections, etc. (1700 characters maximum).
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Location Chiang Mai is a city in the province of the same name, situated in Northern Thailand, 696km north of Bangkok, withan average elevation of 300m, covering an area of 20,107 km². It is the largest province in the north and the second largest of the country. Geography Most of Chiang Mai province, around 70% of the total area,is covered in forested mountains. There are 2 large plains along the Ping River in the central area, in one of which sits the city of Chiang Mai. Climate: Chiang Mai has a tropical wet and dry climate with three seasons; cold, rainy, summer. Mode of Governance: Chiang Mai is subdivided into 25 districts, 204 sub-districts and 2,066 villages. The city of Chiang Mai is within the Meuang Chiang Mai district Local Authorities: There are 211 local governments, including The Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organisation ( CMPAO) , 1City Municipality, 4 Municipalities, 115 District Municipalities, and 91 Sub-District Authorities. The CMPAO was created in 1997 and has jurisdictions which overlap those of other units of local government, municipality, district and sub-district administrations. The CMPAO has powers to develop the province and the city in many areas; economic, social, education, public health, job creation, public utilities, natural resources and cultural conservation. Cultural Facilities and Infrastructures: 7 universities. More than 20 museums. 12-15 major art galleries. 3 Theatres. 1 International Exhibition and Convention Centre. International Connections: Chiang Mai has forged close connections with four sister cities: Uozu, Japan ( since 1989) Saitama, Japan (1992) Kunming, Yunnan, China (1999), Harbin, China (2008). 6. MAIN DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES FACING THE CITY, USING CREATIVITY AS A DRIVER FOR ACTION: Every city is unique and pursues its own objectives according to its particular context and priorities. In this section, candidate cities are invited to explain how they consider that culture and creativity – particularly in the creative field concerned – can act as a driver for identifying solutions to the main development challenges they face ( 1000 characters maximum). Chiang Mai faces a number of developmental challenges,including environmental degradation, rapid urbanization and an influx of foreign visitors, putting pressure on infrastructure and cultural resources. The diversity of crafts and the love of creative enterprise upon which Chiang Mai was founded, and which remains strong, help the city respond to these challenges.
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Local craft products can be found on sale all around the city. Some of the longest established and most visited tourist destinations are the traditional craft villages of Ban Tawai, Sankampaeng and Bor Sang. The weekend markets at Wua Lai and the Sunday Walking Street in the city centre are joined by millions of Thai and foreign visitors annually. 3 of the city’s museums focus on Lanna culture, folk art and crafts. Art galleries and music venues crowd popular districts of the cityproviding space for exhibition, workshops and performance. The cities major universities have academic courses in Lanna folk arts and crafts, and also teach craft skills in cooperation with city organizations, master craftsmen and communities. Multiple fairs, festivals and market bring economic opportunity to craft communities and SMEs and help them gain from tourism. Design organizations and strong young design communities host workshops and events. These flourishing features of the city provide strong incentives for the protection of the city’s crafts, folk art, culture and architectural heritage. 7. MOTIVE FOR THE APPLICATION AND MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE CITY IN TERMS OF ITS MEMBERSHIP OF THE NETWORK: Presentation of the main motives behind the decision to submit an application to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and the expected long-term impact of the designation for the sustainable development of the city (1200 characters maximum). To increase public awareness of Chiang Mai’ s cultural heritage, facilitate an exchangeof ideas between creators in different fields, increase interest in and disseminate knowledge of Chiang Mai culture. Develop learning resources for the crafts and folk arts of the city and promote crafts in the tourism sector as a sustainable way to stimulate the economyand increase revenue for development. Promote the “ creative city” as a means to strengthen the creative economy at both local and regional levels. Support and bring out the potential of crafts makers and folk artists to both innovate in and master their disciplines. Modernize and improve the quality of financial systems and IT networksin creative industries. Joining the network will provide an impetus for increasing knowledge of Lanna crafts heritage, culture and values in the curriculum of all levels of education as well specialist learning centres. Help Chiang Mai manage the rapid change the city is undergoing by preserving andraising the profile of Lanna crafts and folk arts cultural heritage. Bring out the potential of local crafts makers and craft industriesto learn, research and think creatively,adding value to their services and products. AllowChiang Mai to play a leading role in the national plan for Thailand to become a “Creative Hub of ASEAN”.
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8. PREPARATION PROCESS FOR THE APPLICATION: Presentation of the preparation process underlying the application and the members of the management team involved. The design and preparation of the application submitted by the city must involve stakeholders in the creative field concerned, drawn from the private and public sectors, academia and civil society, as well as creators (1000 characters maximum). The CMPAOproposed Chiang Mai becoming a UNESCO creative city in the crafts and folk art category in 2014. A first meeting washeld to seek guidance in becoming ready to submit the application. Attended by the POA, local government, the Faculty of Fine Arts Chiang Mai University, community art and cultural networks and luminaries from diverse fields, the meeting outlined acontinuous implementation plan. Cooperation was sought with government agencies, private sector organizations, educational institutions, community organizations and entrepreneurs. Events were planned for information gathering, training, skill building and to inspire young people to take an interest in crafts and the cultural heritage of Chiang Mai and its master craftsmen. Forums and activities were held, includingcommunity craft competitions, exhibitions, workshops and a brainstorming forum. Creative Chiang Mai is a think tank and networking platform. Its Development Committee suggests strategy, projects and activities, while members implement and provide or obtain funding and resources. The committee shares information with stakeholders, coordinates projects, establishes working groups and helps organise fundraising. 9. COMPARATIVE ASSETS OF THE CANDIDATE CITY MADE AVAILABLE TO THE NETWORK: In the following fields, candidate cities are invited to present their main cultural assets – particularly in the creative field concerned by the application – that may be highlighted locally and internationally to further the Network’s objectives: making creativity, especially in the creative field concerned, an essential driver of sustainable urban development. Applicants are advised to avoid presenting lists and to provide brief answers, including more relevant information so that the city’s cultural and creative assets can be assessed ( 1000 characters maximum for each field). 9.1 Role and foundations of the creative field concerned in the city’s history King Mengrai founded the city of Chiang Mai in 1296, making it capital of the Lanna kingdom which covered Northern Thailand and parts of Burma and Laos. The Lanna region today includes the provinces of Chiang Mai, Lamphun and Lampang, and isat the centre of mainland South East Asia’ s crafts and folk arts industries. Craftspeople were purposely settled in the city from the beginning, for prestige of the kingdom. Today Chiang Mai is home to artisans from many ethnic groups including 20 different mountain hill-tribe communities such as the Karen, Hmong and Yao. Lanna crafts are extremely diverse, some of the most well-known being ceramics, silverwork, textiles, wood carving and lacquerware. Furniture and decorative items made from rattan, bamboo, mango wood and reclaimed teak and rosewood are new popular additions.
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The depth and diversity of crafts and folk arts skills, which are part of a profound cultural equity, serve as an enduring well-spring for creativity on which Chiang Mai can draw for its future development. 9.2 Economic importance and dynamism of the cultural sector and, if possible, of the creative field concerned: data on its contribution to economic development and employment in the city, number of cultural enterprises, etc. The crafts and folk arts sector is an important job creator for the city, and craft outlets, markets, performance venues and Lanna cultural heritage are major factors in drawing tourism to the city and the province. The economic contribution of the crafts and folk arts sector is estimated to be around 2.5 billion baht per year, with in excess of 50 million baht coming from more than 500 household producers, 1.5 to 2 billion baht from the output medium and large scale producers and another 500 million baht or more from related cultural centres. In 2015 sales of craft products to tourists increased by 27% to just over 800m baht, not includinganother 483m baht of silk items. Tourist spending on visits to temples, which have a close relationship with Lanna crafts and culture, was 1.3 billion baht in 2015. Spending on massage and spa attractions in the same year was 1. 89 billion baht. Almost all spa and massage facilities in the city incorporate Chiang Mai crafts and designs. 9.3 Fairs, conferences, conventions and other national and/ or international events organized by the city over the past five years, aimed at professionals in the creative field concerned (creators, producers, marketers, promoters, etc.) ICOMOS Thailand International Conference 2013 was held in Chiang Mai between 15-19 October by the Faculty of Architecture with researchers in the field of cultural heritage at Chiang Mai University and ICOMOS to consider “ Forgotten Asian Heritage : Knowledge, Preservation, Continuity.� The Chiang Mai City of Crafts and Folk Art Forum in Nov 2015 organized by the CMPAO and the Faculty of Fine Arts, CMU. Keynote speakers from multiple countries and cities having a relationship with crafts and folk art, including members of the UNESCO Creative Cities network. 2011-2016 Chiang Mai Design Awards by Creative Chiang Mai has 6 categories includingCrafts, Furniture, New Media, Packaging Design and Eco design. 2013-2016 - TCDC Chiang Mai has hosted 12 seminar / workshops in the areas of Creativity / Crafts / Design / Careers. TEDx Chiang Mai 2016 was independently organized, with the approval of TED. More than a seminar, TEDx Chiang Mai was a platform for innovative ideas, creativity and activism in the service of society. 9.4 Festivals, conventions and other large-scale events organized by the city in the past five years in the creative field concerned and aimed at a local, national and/ or international audience The 2 most important festivals of the Thai calendar, Songkran (Thai New Year) and Loy Krathong ( Yi Peng) , are attended in Chiang Mai by over a million national and international visitors. Numerous Lanna crafts and folk arts are on show in homes, villages and throughout the city.
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During Loy Krathong many locals make their own krathong, arranging flowers and folding banana leaves into complex and intricate designs on top of banana stem floats as a sacred offering. Traditional decorative mulberry paper lanterns and banners fill the city. Songkran celebrations include several large parades, organized by the city, in which various local communities make floats, with folk art performances including northern Thai dances. The Miracle of Lanna TextilesExhibition 2016 at Promenada Resort Mall. Introduced by renowned experts with a fashion show of textiles from over 100 years. Annual crafts fairs including Creative Lanna, a 10 days long event in November, a January crafts fair held in cooperation with the Chiang Mai Federation of Industry, and the Cotton Fair, March – April. Community product fairs are held 14 times each year, each event having a spotlight product. For example, in 2012, the showcase product was Karen textiles. 2014-2016 – The Lanna Expo, annual event includingconferences, exhibitions, folk arts performances and demonstrations of crafts making. 9.5 Mechanisms, courses and programmes to promote creativity and arts education for youth in the creative field concerned, both within the formal and informal education systems The Lanna Wisdom School’s “ Nor Kam Lam Kaew” project operatesmore than community learning centres, honouring masters of crafts and folk arts as teachers, and creating a channel for these teachers to pass on their knowledge to a new generation. 5 Universities have 20 years involvement in the promotion, preservation and development of traditional crafts and folk arts, aiming to spread knowledge of these crafts as widely as possible.Areas of study include Lanna textiles, architecture, folk arts, painting and artisanship. Short term training courses at the Chiang Mai City Art & Cultural Centre provide training in creative crafts such as textile dyeing, ceramic making and tourism in craft communities. A new subject, “ Our Area” has been introduced into Chiang Mai primary and secondary schools, focused on teaching traditional local arts and crafts, to convey the importance of local culture to young people. 9.6 Lifelong learning, tertiary education, vocational schools, music and drama schools, residencies and other higher education establishments specialising in the creative field concerned. In coordination with the Museums Come to Life project, Chiang Mai operatesover 50 community centres for the production and study of crafts and folk arts,teachingthe skills involved in various fields.Examples include: The Wua Lai metalworking community, who make metalwork fortemple art and for jewellery. Sart Luang Village makes mulberry paper lanterns and other decorative items for use in the Yi Peng festival. It is also a lifelong learning centre for people interested in crafts and folk arts.
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More than 10 state and privately run educational institutions have courses teaching the dramatic arts and music with Lanna cultural content. Over 20 Lanna music and other community groups are involved in transmitting knowledge between generations of local musicians, preserving the knowledge of master musicians and performing at festivals throughout the year. A project organized by the Faculty of Fine Arts, CMU, Lanna Wisdom School, and TCDC will open craft learning centres for preserving Lanna crafts and folk art heritage. A selection process will find people who would most benefit from the creative learning process,and occupational and economic advancement 9.7 Research centres and programmes in the creative field concerned The Chiang Mai City of Crafts and Folk Art Initiative collaborates with CMU, master craftsmen and craft communities, researching the health of various crafts and offering training courses inceramics making, wood carving, bamboo weaving, natural dyes, lacquerware and other crafts skills. The initiative helps communities to realisetheir strength and encourages them to develop the confidence effectively market their products and pass on skills to new generations. The first stage of the projects works with communities and with CMU’s help strengthens their knowledge of their cultural and artistic assets. A second stage of the initiative helps trains young entrepreneurs to make use of cultural and craft heritage. An example project focused on Pa Ka Ker Yor Karen ethnic group and their traditional textiles, applying design to help them assimilate with modern lifestyles. The National Science and Technology Development Agency began the Lanna Collection project as a collaboration between entrepreneurs, folklorists and educational institutes to add value to Lanna craft products by applying science and raising awareness of Lanna identity. The Chiang Mai National Museum’s “Museum to School” project takes craft and folk arts knowledge intoschools and runsmonthly seminars to promote public interest in Lanna history, art and culture. Cotton Silk Blend is project started in 2000 by the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research aimed at research and developmentof traditional textilesmade by 182 weaver groups in the north.After 10 years results include products of internationally recognized quality, technological innovation by crafts makers, conservation of skills, improved health and safety, social and economic sustainability. Centre for the Promotion of Arts and Culture CMU works to promote arts and culture, in creative ways while maintainingLanna identity. Centre for Arts and Culture Rajabhat University has a program of Lanna Arts and Culture training courses. It also teaches northern Thai music and dance. The Lanna Studies Research Centre in the Faculty of Humanities, CMU, offers studies in Lanna arts and culture. 9.8 Recognised spaces and centres for the creation, production and dissemination of activities, goods and services in the creative field concerned, at professional level ( for example, cultural enterprise incubators, chambers of commerce with specific programmes for exporting cultural goods and services, etc.) TCDC is a creative learning resource,taking Chiang Mai’ s diverse cultural heritage and applying science and design innovation. Facilities and activities include a design library, a materials library, workshops in design and product development, exhibitions
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of products and techniques, an 800m product display area, and a design and creative business consultation service. TCDC’s annual design week is a city wide multi-day event patronized by diverse organizations, artists, crafts makers and creatives of all kinds. The Support Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand promotes innovation and diversity in Lanna art and crafts products. SACICT offers apprenticeships, training for skills, marketing, packaging and design, networks with international cities, exhibits products at international expos like Fashion Access and Maison et Objet. OTOP Expo centres support Lanna region crafts makers by providing display space in Chiang Mai for promoting their products to tourists and buyers. All 5 of the city’s large shopping malls have Lanna Halls which are unique and distinctive outlets for locally made crafts products. Oon IT Valley Chiang Mai is an IT centre for SMEs. There is a co-working space, a distribution centre and training courses in green practices and sustainable development. It supports the concept of "the creative economy", the preservation of Lanna culture and way of life, and promotes self-reliance. 9.9 Principal facilities and cultural spaces dedicated to practice, promotion and dissemination in the creative field concerned and aimed at the general public and/or specific audiences (youth, vulnerable groups, etc.) The Chiang Mai Cultural Officeruns more than 60 community projects at temples around Chiang Mai city, organizesactivities to support art and culture occupations, and provides space for cultural activities, learning centres, community libraries and community museums. The Glass Stem project is multidisciplinary program for local youth interested in Lanna knowledge to apprentice with master teachers and deepen knowledge of Lanna arts and traditions. Students exhibit their work after a year of study. The Lanna Wisdom School offers short-term training courses and provides space for traditional knowledge based events in areas including Lanna handicrafts. The school also produces learning materials including books and VCDs for more than 50 areas of Lanna wisdom and skills. Ban Samarn Jai – A school for children with autism and other learning challenges which teachestextile making and has arts and music programs. Feun Baan Yaan Wiang - Crafts and folk arts youth training programs and public information dissemination. Chiang Mai City Art andCultural Centre–Organises and hosts crafts training courses &public music and dance performances. Lanna Folk Life Museum–Hosts Lanna dance and music performances. 9.10 Present a maximum of three programmes or projects developed by the city in the past five years to promote wider participation in cultural life, especially in the creative field concerned, particularly those aimed at disadvantaged or vulnerable social groups 1.
In 2015-2016 folk art and handicrafts training courses and exhibitions were held at Chiang Mai City Art and Cultural Centre: Art of Lahu Chaelae Sewing. A Tai Lue Seminar (Tai Lue Textiles Exhibition) and basic training in wicker making, basic training in ceramics making. A Seminar on the Lanna
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sarong. Teaching Lanna stucco work. An exhibition of Thai Lanna skirts. An exhibition of Keng Tung Lacquerware. Feun Baan Yaan Wiang (The Chiang Mai Old City Restoration Organization) wasfounded in cooperation withcivil society organizations and local academics and works to rehabilitate the city, communities, ways of life and culture. Folk arts revival training is helping preserve traditions of Buddha image making, Lanna styles of lacquerware and has been applauded by local people and government. In 2014 the Lanna Wisdom School began a project to promote and support the creation of new master teachers by making the homes of master teachers learning centres. Over 20such learning centreshave been opened with more than 10,000 students completing courses. Coordination centres enable students to meet with master teachers.
9.11 Present a maximum of three programmes or projects developed in the past five years in the creative field concerned that have helped to create and/or strengthen relations of cooperation between the city, the private sector, creators, civil society and/or academia 1.
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Bathing the City Sky in Light. A residential areas project to change the focus of the Loy Krathong festival from hot air lanterns, which create a fire hazard, to traditional hanging lanterns. City residents gather to help hang the decorations, coordinated by the Rak Chiang Mai community network, a civil society organization founded by residents of the old city centre, and professors from several institutions. The project also includes dance workshops and vocational education for young people. The Wat Puak Taem Museum Project. A brass working community project. Brass work is part of temple architecture anda traditional craft. When the community joined with the Feun Baan Yaan Wiang project and the Faculty of Fine Arts of CMU, a community museum was established, and with restored pride in their craft making skills, a new generation from the community began to value the craft. Lanna Collection Project. The NTSDA proposed using the Lanna concept in crafts to raise awarenessof a unique cultural heritage, aiming for “ Lanna Style” to become known in the same way as “ Balinese Style” . Academics, entrepreneurs and artisans pursue innovation in design, materials science, carbon footprint concepts and the repurposing of equipment for product and marketing development.
9.12 Role of the main professional and non-governmental civil societyorganizations that are active in the city in the creative field concerned -
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The Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce supports OTOP products in national and global markets. In 2013 the Chiang Mai OTOP cluster took more than 2,000 producers to the Muang Tong Thanee Expo. Northern Handicrafts Manufacturers and Exporters Association, NOHMEX, is an association of SMEcraft manufacturers working to promote the development of crafts industries and assist in the marketing of their products. The Association has more than 250 members andcoordinates with government and other private sector organizations. Handmade-chiangmai is a non-profit website for Chiang Mai's craft industry run by Creative Chiang Mai with partners including the British Council, NOHMEX, CMCC Development Committee, College of Arts, Media and Technology, CMU, and CMU STeP. The Chiang Mai Tourism Council promotes and supports the development of centres of crafts and folk arts as tourist attractions and provides training
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courses and promotional materialsfor the industry to help crafts makers and folk artists meet the challenges of tourism. Chiang Mai Tourism Business Associationplays a role promoting products and services that conserve Lanna cultural identity. Association of Industrial Entrepreneurs lobbies for polices to improve the economic growth prospects of crafts producers, and works to help them improve standards and compliance. Chiang Mai Association of SMEsaims to assisst SMEs by promoting joint enterprise between the public and private sectors, and offers business consultation.
9.13 Main policies and measures implemented by the city in the past five years to improve the status of creators and to support creative work, particularly in the creative field concerned In 2012 the Chiang Mai Cultural Office presented plans for 3 projects: a cultural heritage project for 3 ethnic groups (Tai Lue, Tai Yong, Tai Kun) with a budget of 2.5m Baht, the “Oui Sorn Laan” (Grandfather to Grandson) project in 204 districts with a budget of 5m Baht, and a project to develop cultural learning centres in 5 districts aimed at meeting tourism challenges (budget, 2.5m Baht). OTOP fairs are held bi-annually in Chiang Mai and are attended by all 50 committee leaders from 25 districts. OTOP Expo is a new initiative to provide display space in the and around the city for crafts from the entire Lanna region. In 2012 the CMPAO introduced the following policies to raise the status of crafts makers and creative industries: - Require educational and cultural institutions to play a strong role in the preservation, conservation and promotion of religious, artistic and cultural traditions and customs as well as the architectural and historical heritage of Chiang Mai. - Jointly develop Chiang Mai into a Creative City of Art and Culture by developing substantive knowledge of local arts and culture. - Connecting community life with local art and culture. 9.14 Main policies and measures implemented by the city in the past five years to support the establishment and development of dynamic local cultural industries in the creative field concerned The CMPAO introduced the following policies in 2012: -
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Support the development of local knowledge of arts, culture and religion together with public, private, national and international social development organizations. Promote and improve production efficiency, product specifications and raise the standard of new community products. Develop and promote local entrepreneurship.
The “City of Life and Prosperity” initiative promotesChiang Mai as a national and international centre of tourism, trade and investment. An annual budget for sustainable economic development and the improvement of quality of life increases year on year, with 2 billion baht allocated for 2017. The Chiang Mai Community Development Office is a major regional supporter of OTOP, helping communities participate in the creative economy by motivating small-scale 10
producers to register with OTOP. Objectives are to build capacity in business administration, develop products to fit market requirements, improve packaging design and update the technical knowledge of craftspeople. Coordinated with the help of 5 local universities and supported by several Thai banks. More than 800 community enterprise groups receive financial support from external investors as well as from the provincial and district administrations. In 2012, the SME Bank lowered borrowing rates for members who met OTOP standards. 9.15 Main international cooperation initiatives in the creative field concerned, developed with cities from different countries in the past five years Chiang Mai Crafts and Folk Art Forum 2015.Representatives from the members of the CreativeCities network,from UNESCO, and experts from non-member cities were invited to participate and contribute to the understanding of the goals of the network and of the contribution Chiang Mai might make. 5thASEAN Traditional Textiles Symposium,Payap University and Chiang Mai City Art and Cultural Centre 2015. Seminar – CMU, 2015. Management of cultural heritage across the borders of Thailand - Cambodia - Laos. Southeast Asian Creative Cities Network (SEACCN). Founded in Chiang Mai in 2014 for creative citiesin SE Asia, withrepresentatives from the cities’ agencies, specialists, experts and communities. Members include George Town, Bandung, Bali, Cebu and Chiang Mai. Focusing on SE Asian“second cities”, SEACCNalso welcomes collaboration with the rest of Asia and Europe. 2016 Pekalongan and Bali fact finding mission by Chiang Mai Creative City team. Creativity x Connect International Forum 2015. Annual forum joining ideas, people, hubs and cities via keynotes and interactive plenary sessions toleverage creativity and innovation for social, urban and economic development. Supported by CMU, CMU STeP, ASEF, The US Consulate, SEACCN, the Governor’s office, Deco-Moda, CNX Creative, The ASEAN Maker Association, Connective Cities ( Germany) , TCDC, NOHMEX, the JFCCT and the British Council. Craft Connect Furniture & Craft Maker Workshop. A crafts and furniture maker workshop for collaboration between Cebu and Chiang Mai, with the goal of strengthening ASEAN presence in world markets. Southeast Asia Creative Cities Forum & Handmade - Chiang Mai Phase III Seminar. 9.16 Support mechanisms, programs and projects implemented in the past five years by the city establishing synergies between the creative field concerned and at least one of the other creative fields covered by the Network (cross-cutting or intersectoral projects) Crafts and Folk Art & Design - Nimmanhaemin Art & Design Promenade NAP: Held every year for the past 15 years, showcasing Chiang Mai designed handmade products.
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- Chiang Mai Design Week:Organised by the municipality and TCDC. A multi venue event bringing togetheryoung creatorsin areas of crafts, design, IT, video and gastronomy. - Creative Chiang Mai Chiang: Crafts skills and design training programs began in 2014. - Sawasdee Crafts Design Market by the Baan Kang Wat project. A market and community for crafts and design products. - Chiang Mai has more than 3 local magazines that deal with local design and crafts, including COMPASS magazine. Crafts and Folk Art & Gastronomy - The “ Lanna Food” project run by the faculties of Humanities and Education, CMU. - The Chiang Mai Food Festival, in its 21st year, held along the route of the Sunday Walking Street market. Over 100 food sellersjoin local arts and crafts makers. - Khantoke is traditional Lanna food accompanied by Lanna folk music and dance. There are more than10 venuesin the city offering Khantoke. - Chiang Mai Halal International Fair, 2014 and 2015, in cooperation with AEC / GMS / BIMSTEC, under a banner of “ The miracle of cultural diversity. ” Cooking competitions and culinary demonstrations by celebrity chefs. - Kad Mua Kua Hom” serveLanna food in traditional settings with local crafts and design. There are at least 20 such markets around the city. 9.17 International cooperation initiatives and/ or partnerships developed in the past five years involving at least two of the seven creative fields covered by the Network (crosscutting or intersectoral projects) Design Thinking Workshops – Bringing together designers and artists from respected international universities and other institutions to offer students first hand training in design thinking. Coordinating with Chiang Mai University. Beautiful Handicrafts of Tohokuexhibition at TCDC Chiang Mai, March 2015, in Cooperation with the Japan Foundation to mark the anniversary of the Tohoku earthquake. Showcased daily implements crafted by Tohoku locals,including ceramics, lacquer ware, textiles, metalwork to wood and bamboo crafts. The Magic World of Czech Illustrators for Children - 17 March to April 3, 2016, at Chiang Mai University Art Centre. Korean Culture Caravan — Korean Day in Chiang Mai: Oct 2015 at CMU Art Centre. Organised by the Korean Culture Center and featuring demonstrations of Korean foods with Korean music and dance performances by well-known Korean artists, plus Thai traditional dances and Korean singing by Chiang Mai students. China - Thailand Art Exhibition - Art Communication. A joint exhibition of artworks by Thai and Chinese artists held in Oct 2015at CMU Art Centre. The Asian Lacquer Craft Exchange Research Program held an exhibition of international lacquer art at CMU Art Centre in Feb 2016. Organised by the Faculty of Fine Arts CMU with The Japan Foundation and the Japanese Consulate. Over 50 lacquer artworks from Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, Myanmar, China, Cambodia, Taiwan and U. S. A were exhibited.
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International Puppet Festival 2014 at The Lanna Traditional House Museum theatre CMU Art Centre. Puppets from 11 countries with performances,demonstrations and workshops. International Dance Festival 2015 at the CMU Art Center brought together artists from Barcelona, South Korea, Israel and Singapore, with the aim to nurture interest in the performing arts and offer scholarships to local talent. 9.18 Main facilities and infrastructures available and events, such as fairs, conferences and conventions, organized by the city in the past five years with the aim of promoting the creative fields covered by the Network other than the main creative field concerned by the application. TCDCCM opened in 2013 and provides a design library, materials library, auditorium space,exhibition space. Thapae Gate city centre plaza hosted extensive 2015 Loy Krathong and 2016 Thai New Year music and dance performances. Lanna Folklife Museum opened in 2012 with exhibition space, facilities for music and dance performances and concerts. Feun Baan Yaan Wiang opened a public library in 2014. TCDC hosts annual Design Week, annual Design Awardsandmany design and product development workshops, e.g., “ Packaging 360°, " Ourbanism: Creative thinking for our city,” Creative Start-up Workshop 2016, Local Essence 2016, Chiang Mai Public Service Jam 2016. Chiang Mai Fest 2014,organised by the TAT, CMPAO and travel industry. An international music and cultural festival with performers from Europe, America, Africa and Asia, celebrating international culture and encouraging cross-cultural exchange. The 4th Lanna Expo 2016 included Lanna Heritage, Thailand Food Valley and Halal Product fairs, as well as conferences, exhibitions, cultural performances and manufacturing demonstrations of products inspired by local wisdom. 10. CONTRIBUTION TO ACHIEVING THE OBJECTIVES OF THE NETWORK In this section the candidate cities are invited to present an appropriate medium-term ( four years) action plan describing the main initiatives that the city commits to undertake, within the framework of its designation, to achieve the Network’s objectives: using creativity as a driver for sustainable urban development. The proposed initiatives must correspond to the objectives and areas of action contained in the Creative Cities Network Mission Statement. The action plan and proposed initiatives should be realistic, coherent and feasible. It is recommended to describe the main planned initiatives rather than multiple theoretical lists of actions. 10.1 Presentation of a maximum of three initiatives, programmes or projects aimed at achieving the objectives of the Network locally Two of the proposed initiatives should correspond to the creative field concerned and one of the initiatives presented should be of a cross-cutting nature and link with at least one of the other creative fields covered by the Network. The presentation of the proposed initiatives should notably include the objectives, the stakeholders involved in their execution, the beneficiaries and the expected results. Initiatives supported by the city
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involving the public and private sectors, civil society, professional associations and cultural institutions are encouraged (3500 characters maximum). 1. The Annual Chiang Mai Design Awards by Creative Chiang Mai were first held in 2012 and are supported by CMU Science & Technology Park ( CMU STeP) , TCDC, the Department of International Trade Promotion, and others.Objectives include: - To promote innovation, creativity and exchange in and between the 6 competition categories.To stimulate Chiang Mai talent to recognize the value of creativity in design and how it can add value to products. Open invitation to submit applications is made via the Creative Chiang Mai website, on social media, and via dissemination to the local media. More than 20 Thai and international judges, including recognized design professionals and academics in the relevant fields, volunteer to adjudicate. In 2016 the 6 categories are: 1) Architecture & Interior, 2) Crafts, furniture, decorative Items and fashion accessories, 3) New Media, 4) corporate identity design and multimedia / new media / apps, 5) packaging design and 6) retail design and merchandising display. Competition entries whose products are selected for inclusion gain access to: - Free consultation in areas of product development and marketing by TCDC, CMU STeP experts and judges. - Allocation of exhibition space during the Chiang Mai Design Week. - A feature on handmade-chiangmai website ( for crafts and furniture products).- Marketing and publicity in national and international media. 2. The Chiang Mai Brand badge for products, instituted by theChiang Mai Commercial Affairs Office. Crafts from nine categories are selected with the objective ofimprovingproduct quality, raising standards and thereby boostingconsumer confidence in Chiang Mai products. Chiang Mai’s Governor is acting Chair of the selection process. The product development projectbegan assisting communities compete in markets in 2010, starting with commercial districts including Wua Lai and Muang Kung. Community craft makersconsulted withentrepreneurs in preparation to take their products to the Chiang Mai Bangkok fair at The Mall, followed by the Bangkok International Fashion Fair and Bangkok International Leather expos. The Chiang Mai Brand project continues this work, taking products every year to Malls and Expos around the country, for example holding “ The Season of the Chiang Mai Brand” fair annually at JJ Mall at Chatuchak in Bangkok. Chiang Mai Brand events aimed at locals and international visitors are also held in Chiang Mai. For example the Chiang Mai Brand Grand Products exhibition in May 2016 at Promenada Resort Mall in Chiang Mai. 3. The “ Lanna Collection” project,initiated by the Industrial Technology Assistance Program of the NSTDA, is a multifaceted collaboration between educational institutions, folklorists, entrepreneurs and other experts to develop Lanna craft products by applying materials science and technology. And to further add value to craft products by challenging crafts makers to creatively apply authentic Lanna symbols and precepts, preserving Lanna identity by combining ancient ideas with contemporary design. Each year new sources of design inspiration are suggested by directors of the program to shape the collection for that year. For example in 2014 Ajarn Vithi of the Faculty of Fine Arts, CMU, directed the 12 craft makers who would form that year’s
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collection to study themes from Kong Kaek Temple in Mae Cham. Technological and engineering consulting have helped businesses reduce costs and improve standards, whilst the Lanna identity has served to attach a unique cultural value to the products. The wider aim is to develop the Lanna concept incraftsindustries, raise awareness of this unique cultural heritage, and make “Lanna Style” as widely known as “Balinese Style.” 10.2 Presentation of a maximum of three initiatives, programmes or projects aimed at achieving the objectives of the Network on an international level, particularly those involving other member cities in the Network The presentation of the proposed initiatives should notably include the objectives, the stakeholders involved in their implementation, the beneficiaries and the expected results. Initiatives supporting the extension of the Network in regions and countries that are still under-represented, as well as actions involving cities in developing countries, are encouraged. A cross-cutting initiative linking several of the creative fields covered by the Network may be presented. (3500 characters maximum). 1. The International Chiang Mai City of Crafts and Folk Art Forum 2015 was organized by the CMPAO and the Faculty of Fine Arts, Chiang Mai University and held between 19 – 27 November. The seminar hosted delegates from multiple countries and cities having a relationship with crafts and folk art, including members of the UNESCO Creative Cities network, and brought together Chiang Mai officials, craft makers, artists, entrepreneurs, academics, journalists and students. The objectives included: - To hear the experiences of members of the Creative Cities network and other invitees in areas of the conservation, promotion and development of crafts and folk arts. - To forge new ties for the future exchange of ideas and skills and deepen Chiang Mai’ s relationship with members of the Creative Cities network and others. - To spread understanding of the Creative City concept among the various Chiang Mai stakeholders - government, private sector, craft masters, the upcoming generation and the wider public. The Forum allowed Chiang Mai to re-examine and re-evaluate its crafts and folk art heritage and to share a vision with international delegates and local stakeholders alike. Existing ties were further strengthened with a reciprocal trip by a Chiang Mai delegation in 2016, when they visited Pekalongan and Bali. 2. The Asian Lacquer Craft Exchange Research Program began with a visit to Bagan, Myanmar in 2003 by Japanese lacquer artists and researchers. The program brings together SE Asian and other Asian countries via yearly workshops, lectures, and exhibitions. An exhibition of international lacquer was held at CMU Art Museum in Feb 2016 in cooperation between the program, the Japanese Consulate and CMU. Over 50 lacquer artworks were exhibited and workshops by visiting international and Chiang Mai artisans demonstrated lacquer techniques. Professor Vithi Panichapan of CMU, lectured on
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Lanna lacquer, and artists from other Asian countries lectured on lacquer their respective nations. The objectives of the program are: - Research into the current state of lacquer crafts, art and education in participating nations. - Technical and cultural exchange, facilitated by international visits and a program of workshops.- Lacquer Design - Stimulating design innovation in Asian lacquer art. - Research on lacquer technique, materials and production. - Research into the lacquer tree, its distribution, gathering techniques and production economics. - Research into the history of SE Asian lacquer art, its origins and development. The overall mission is the promotion of lacquer craft and the use of education to strengthen the understanding of our common cultural heritage. To be achieved via the exchange of lacquer craft knowledge in the forms of research and dissemination of findings in lectures, workshops, exhibitions, and publications. 3. The 9th Thailand International Balloon Festival was held in Chiang Mai in March 2016 and was awarded “Best in Travel” by the NOW Travel Asia Awards. The event featured an international heritage program with international music, theatre and dance, including a punk rock band, puppet shows, Flamenco, and Bollywood dances. A Khon mask making workshop was given by Chiang Mai’s famed Khon mask maker Yong Phithukphong Jumpa. Art and design products by local and international artists were exhibited, including works by local Thai artist Chana Boonyong, Singaporean LiLi Tan, furniture designer Bank Moonlea, Thai jewellery designers and artists from Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam.Objectives of the event included:- To raise Chiang Mai’s profile as a mature international city of arts and culture. - To make share cultural heritage with regional and international partners in a modern creative setting. 10.3 Estimated annual budget for implementing the proposed action plan It is recommended to present the estimated overall annual budget for implementing the proposed action plan, as well as the percentages that will be devoted to local and international initiatives. All of the resources that the city expects to contribute should be mentioned, not only including financial resources but also other resources ( personnel, facilities, etc. ) . Please indicate any funding applications envisaged to national and international funding bodies, in order to complement the budget ( 500 characters maximum). The evaluation will not be made on the basis of the size of the proposed budget but in terms of the feasibility, coherence, achievability and long-term sustainability of the estimated budget in relation to the action plan. Plans and projects for the year 2014 relating to work on crafts folk art included two strategies: 1. Economy and tourism, 2. Religion, arts and culture. Together the strategies aim to achieve developments via 12 projects, with a budget 138,345,000 baht.
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Plans and projects for the year 2015 relating to work on crafts folk art included the same two strategies, this time funding 13 projects with a budget 155,517,000 baht. For 2016 and 2017 the budget will not be less than for the year 2015. 10.4 Intended structure for the execution and management of the action plan in the event of designation Present the resources in terms of personnel and/ or the unit that will be established to ensure the planning and execution of the proposed action plan and an active contribution by the city to the achievement of the Network’s objectives. The person or the director of the proposed unit will be the focal point for the city. Presentation of the planned working arrangements (1000 characters maximum). Mr. Kiatchai Lorworakul, Director of the Division of Planning and Budget, Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organization Additionally, the Department of Education and Culture, Section of Religion and Culture, CMPAO, the Faculty of Fine Arts, CMU. Also Agencies and networks, including TCDC Chiang Mai and Lanna Wisdom School. The main goal is tohave a systematic plan for enhancing collaboration to develop Chiang Mai as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art for the benefit of producers, creators and the future inheritors of Chiang Mai. Division of Planning and Budget, CMPAO, Tel: 053 998 301 ext. 400 - 08:30 to 16:30 Department of Education and Culture, Section of Religion and Culture, Tel: 053 998 359 ext. 501 - 08:30 to 16:30 TCDC Chiang Mai1/1 Muang Samut Rd, Chang Moi, Muang, Chiang Mai 50300 Faculty of Fine Arts Chiang Mai University239 Huay Kaew Rd., Suthep, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200. Lanna Wisdom School35 Rattanakosin Rd., Wat Ket, Muang, Chiang Mai 50000Tel: 053-244231, Fax: 053-306612, Email: sslanna@hotmail.com Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organization888 Chotana Rd., Chang Puak,Muang, Chiang Mai 10.5 Plan for communication and awareness Presentation of the communication and awareness plan for disseminating and promoting the objectives of the Network to a wide audience, as well as the impact of the proposed action plan. (1000 characters maximum). 1. The Chiang Mai Art and Cultural Centre Network, consisting of three museums 1.1 The Chiang Mai City Art and Cultural Centre 1.2 Lanna Folk Life Museum
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2.
3. 4. 5.
1.3 Chiang Mai Historical Centre- is ideally suited to communicating the objectives of the network, as a historical centre, as a major tourist attraction, and as a cultural centre. Create a network for the dissemination of information about the Creative Cities network and its objectives within the existing craft centres of Chiang Mai, which number over 100, including Baan Tawai, the Mae Jaem Weaving community, the Wua Lia silverware community, the Sri Pan Krua lacquerware community and the Baan Pa Pong weaving community. Institutions which teach in arts and crafts related areas will be used to spread knowledge of the network and its objectives. Government agencies and private enterprises will work to develop folk arts and crafts and international connections in related fields. Online and broadcast communication of the project. 5.1 www.chiangmai_cityofcrafts.com 5.2 Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChiangmaiCCFA 5.3 Instagram: Chiangmai_Creativecity 5.4 Media, Radio and TV
11. IMPLEMENTATION AND IMPACT REPORTS OF THE DESIGNATION YES
If designated, the city agrees to provide, periodically as requested by UNESCO, detailed information on the effective implementation of activities related to its designation as a UNESCO Creative City and on their impact.
12. PARTICIPATION IN ANNUAL MEETINGS OF THE NETWORK If designated, the city shall ensure the participation of a delegation from the city, including at least one representative, in the annual meetings of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and shall be responsible for covering any travel and subsistence costs incurred. YES
13. COMMUNICATION MATERIALS In order to prepare communication materials about your city in the event that it is designated, please complete the following fields. This information will be used on the UNESCO website and/or on other communication supports of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. 13.1 Brief presentation of the cultural assets and creative industries of your city in the creative field concerned (1400 characters maximum) Chiang Mai – “City of Creative Freedom” A city of diverse arts and crafts, of markets, food markets, festivals, galleries, music venues, local and international food. Chiang Mai is a welcoming multi-ethnic city with long established regional ethnic groups and more recent growing international population. Chiang Mai city and the surrounding areas are replete with diverse crafts products and folk artsactivities, whether produced by household industries or larger manufacturers, or whether performed by full time professionals or part time community groups. Crafts in the city range from the traditional areas of textiles, lacquerware, silverware, ceramics, basketry, wood carving and many others, to modern adaptations in new materials by young designers. The performing arts include traditional music played on traditional instruments, puppet theatre and traditional dance, to a modern music and arts
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scene full of international flavour. 720 years of history and evolution of artistic skillsare to be seen, heard and touched. Some of the groups involved in the production, creative adaptation, marketing and showcasing of these crafts include: - Lanna Collection, founded in 2010, uses science and technological innovation in combination with historical and cultural research to produce annual collections. - NOHMEX, an association of more than 250 SME craft makers working to develop crafts industries and assist in the marketing of their products. - OTOP Chiang Mai helps promote Lanna crafts and provides expo centres for the showcasing of the products of household craft makers, giving easier access to tourists and buyers. 13.2 Contributions of the city in terms of achieving the objectives of the Network according to the proposed action plan (700 characters maximum, presented as bullet points) - Education Reform, e.g., “Our Area� subject introduced into Chiang Mai schools, teaching Lanna arts and crafts. Creative city concept is widely disseminated via the Chiang Mai Creative City initiative founded in 2010 and promoted by public and private sector. TCDC and Creative Chiang Mai annual events, especially Chiang Mai Design Week and the Chiang Mai Design Awards bring creativity as a development tool for cities into public and professional consciousness The Chiang Mai City of Crafts and Folk Art Forumhighlighted the international nature of the Creative Cities network and bring crafts and folk arts more clearly into the fold of creativity. The following policies were introduced by the CMPAO to help drive Chiang Mai towards becoming a Creative City of Art and Culture: 1.
2.
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The development of the knowledge of local art and culture. The CMPAO will establish learning resources to manage cultural knowledge and social capital and preserve local heritage Will develop systems for information gathering and processing. Will introduce development planning to link resources for the restoration of important historic and religious sites. Will forge links between traditional local ways of life, art and culture and modern life by creating and supporting the activities of architectural, artistic, cultural, ethical and religious groups. Will foster the exchange of cultural knowledge between local communities in preparation for entry into ASEAN. Will support and promote the development of creative and artistic work in fields involving local heritage. Will monitor and work to prevent any negative impacts of foreign cultures on community life.
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13.3 A maximum of four URL links to Internet sites related to the creative field concerned and the contents of the application 1. Chiang Mai City of Crafts - http://www.chiangmai-cityofcrafts.com 2. The Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre - http://www.cmocity.com 3. Thailand Creative & Design Centre (TCDC) Chiang Maihttp://www.tcdc.or.th/chiangmai 4. Hangmade Chiang Mai - http://www.handmade-chiangmai.com Date Signature
(Mr. Phichet Pisuttakoon) Deputy Provincial Administrative Organization Acting, Chief Executive of the Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organization,Thailand
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