Artists draw a blank

An army of artists is boycotting the official opening ceremony of the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC). Her Majesty Queen Sirikit will preside over the event, set to take place on August 19.

The artists are unhappy with politicians and officials from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) who they say have continued to interfere with the running of the centre.

'We should manage it'

"The centre is a place for arts - artists should be allowed to manage it," says Patravadi Theatre founder and promi¬nent actress Patravadi Meejudhon. "So far, the BMA has sim¬ply hired a private company to handle the opening ceremony without consulting us first."

Echoing her complaints are Pradit Prasartthong and Chumpon Apisuk. Pradit is from the Bangkok Theatre Network while Chumpon is secretary general of the Network of Artists for BACC.

"We are not going to cooper¬ate with the BACC until its management is free from interference," Pradit says.

Built with a Bt500million budget, the arts venue has been open to the public for more than a year already, though its official inauguration has only just been scheduled.

Artists not consulted

A source said the BMA had indeed planned the opening ceremony without consulting artists. "In fact, these artists sit on a subcommittee which should have been consulted," the source added.

According to the source, the company handling the ceremony has offered to pay between Bt5,000 and Bt10,000 per exhibit sent in by interested artists. It is still unclear how many will take up the offer, and how many will turn up at the opening.

Located at the Pathumwan Intersection, the BACC is open between 10am and 9pm Tuesday to Sunday. As well as art galleries, its 25,000 square metres features shops, eateries, conference rooms and an auditorium.