Innovative non-profit artsorganisation Wai Art has joined hands with leading hotel Banyan TreeBangkok to launch a series of exhibitions aimed at promoting young and upand coming artists in Thailand and give them an opportunity to showcasetheir talents.

The partnership will see the works of Thanapon Junkasain openon February 16 - a collection of contemporary Buddhist paintings thatexplore the concepts of right and wrong in society by drawing ontraditional mythology - which he brings to life in his first soloexhibition.

The show – titled Mara – will be exhibitedat the Banyan Tree Bangkok until March 31 and is open daily. A launch eventwill be held at 4.30pm to 6pm in the Club Lounge at the hotel. Everyone iswelcome.

For so many artists in Thailand there are fewopportunities to exhibit their work as galleries are not keen on taking onan unproven artist.

Key to Wai Art’s philosophy and thepartnership with the Banyan Tree Bangkok - is to not only provide thisopportunity but to ensure that sales profits are given to the artistsrather than the galleries. A small amount of the proceeds will also bedonated to Banyan Tree Bangkok’s Corporate Social Responsibility Fund,which supports various community projects in Thailand.

Typicallyartists in Thailand need to work as lecturers in universities or have arange of other jobs to survive rather than have the time to truly developtheir skills. There is no creative support system. But this is somethingWai Art curator Thanom Chapakdee - who has worked with artists in Thailandfor more than 30 years - is seeking to change.

“Thai artistsare hugely undervalued. This is not because of a lack of talent but becausethey lack the opportunity,” he said. “There is a disconnect here and onewhich is not only stifling the innate creativity in Thailand butobstructing an appreciation of arts and its role in society in a widersense.

“We are very happy that Banyan Tree Bangkok shares our visionand we hope to work with them on many projects to help develop the youngpool of artists in Thailand.”

The Banyan Tree Bangkok, which belongs to theaward-winning global hospitality group of the same name, has embraced thepartnership as it not only supports the local community but enriches theexperiences of its guests, added General Manager SriramKailasam.

“We are delighted to be working with Wai Art to developyoung Thai artists. Creativity is such a unique treasure that we arepleased to play a role, however small, in its fostering and development inThailand - and be the host venue for this superb exhibition by such apromising painter,” he said.

“We are sure our guests will enjoyit and of course the general public is always welcome to come and view theworks on any day of the week.”