Everywhere Gallery: PAKAD Festival 2025

Chiang Rai Municipal Market 1 is a historic, century-old market situated in the heart of the city. It has served as a foundational driver of Chiang Rai's economy, society, and culture. The market reflects the unique identity and relationships of the local community, acting as a repository of local wisdom, culinary heritage, craftsmanship, and a way of life passed down through generations.

However, modern shifts in society, the economy, and consumer behavior have presented traditional fresh markets with significant challenges regarding their popularity and survival. Without adaptation, the market risks gradually losing its vital role in driving the local way of life.

Recognizing this, Everywhere Gallery sees the importance of utilizing art and creativity—the city's core strengths as a recognized UNESCO Creative City—to revitalize this century-old market through art and design. This vision has culminated in the 'Pakad 2025' festival. In the Northern Thai dialect, 'Pa' means 'to meet' and 'Kad' means 'market'. Thus, the festival serves as an invitation for people to reunite at the market, the beating heart of the city. Through art activities, spatial design, exhibitions, and site-specific art interwoven with the daily lives of the market's people, the market is transformed into a vibrant "Cultural Public Space."

To ensure the sustainable development of the market through creativity, the initiative aims to elevate this event into an annual provincial festival. By hosting the festival continuously, it is set to become a landmark destination for both Thai and international tourists. This will not only stimulate the local economy but also serve as a guiding model for the market to adapt and thrive amidst today's shifting economic and social landscapes.

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