On Monday 19 October 2015 His Royal Highness Prince Joachim opens the “Thai Artistry: The Living Heritage” Exhibition on 4th floor in ILLUM in Copenhagen.
The Thai exhibition will from 19 October – 1 November 2015 display works from the SUPPORT Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand which embodies Thailand’s traditional craftmanship with a sense of modern living. Through the “The Living Heritage” exhibition, Thai craft masters are also being given the opportunity to showcase their works abroad so that they can carry on their work with recognition and pride.
HRH Prince Joachim presides the opening ceremony for an exhibition not only displaying beautiful Thai craftmanship, but also an exhibition who will portray the story of the special relationship between Denmark and Thailand, especially the close and cordial relationship between the Royal Families of the two countries over the centuries. The exhibition is an important opportunity to create public awareness of the historical relationship, because the bond between Thailand and Denmark is not yet widely known according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand. The exhibition is expected to enhance existing ties and lead to new areas of cooperation between the two countries.
– The relation between our two families has always been great and this we should continue to improve, says HRH Prince Joachim in his opening speech.
The exhibition takes place at ILLUM in Copenhagen, the 124-old departement store considered to be one of the Danish jewels. Today, ILLUM is actually owned by the Italian company La Rinasciente in acquisition to Thai company CENTRAL Group.
The exhibition is organized by the Royal Thai Embassy in cooperation with The SUPPORT Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand (SACICT), The Central Group, ILLUM Department Store and Team Thailand agencies.
The SUPPORT Foundation was founded by HM Queen Sirikit of Thailand in 1975 to help train traditional craftsmanship to farmers and villagers in order to supplement their family income while preserving ancient arts and craft skills for future generations.Over the years, the Foundation has been crucial in empowering the rural poor while carrying forward the precious national heritage of Thailand so it can continue to thrive through time. Today, hundreds of SUPPORT projects can be found in various rural villages all over the country.
The new concept products being displayed have been exclusively made for this exhibition and represents the drive to introduce the uniqueness of Thai wisdom to international markets. The transformation of traditional craftworks into a living heritage that has successful adapted to modern day living is pertinent to the success of conserving Thailand’s precious heritage and fulfilling the aspirations set forth by HM Queen Sirikit of Thailand.
Sources: www.mfa.go.th www.billedbladet.dk
