BANGKOK, Thailand – December 4, 2024 – ACCESS BANGKOK, Thailand’s first international art fair, launches at the prestigious Pinnacle Hall at ICONSIAM, a global landmark on the Chao Phraya River, from December 5-7, 2024 (VIP & PRESS Preview on December 4). Co-organized by Korea-based ARTMEETSLIFE (AML) and ARTUE, the fair combines the organizers’ global expertise in art fair production with ARTUE’s cutting-edge digital platform. Supported by the Korean government’s cultural fund, which seeks to open new global opportunities for Korean galleries, ACCESS BANGKOK will be the first fair in Thailand to merge offline and online experiences, allowing collectors to engage from anywhere in the world. Recognizing Bangkok’s potential as a rising cultural capital, AML and ARTUE have chosen this city for their inaugural fair to foster new connections and elevate Thailand’s presence on the global art stage.
ACCESS BANGKOK arrives at a transformative moment in Thailand’s cultural landscape. Historically, high tariffs and complex customs procedures have posed significant challenges for international galleries. Recent developments, however, mark a turning point: Thailand’s Soft Power Committee, in collaboration with the cabinet, has approved a plan to promote art exhibitions nationwide, with potential tax reductions and waivers under review. ACCESS BANGKOK aligns with these initiatives, signaling a new era for Thailand’s global art engagement.
A Unique Digital Collaboration
ACCESS BANGKOK stands out with its seamless integration of ARTUE’s digital twin and AI-powered tools, creating an immersive Online Viewing Room (OVR) that lets collectors and art enthusiasts worldwide browse and buy artworks remotely. Extending beyond the fair’s physical presence, this digital platform remains accessible after the event, connecting exhibitors with a global audience long after the doors at Pinnacle Hall have closed.
Exhibitor Lineup and Artistic Focus
ACCESS BANGKOK features a carefully curated lineup of 30 galleries: 12 from Korea, 9 from Bangkok, and 9 from Southeast Asia and beyond. This selection reflects growing international interest in Bangkok’s art market and showcases a dynamic blend of contemporary talent. Korean galleries are represented prominently, with major participants like Johyun Gallery and Gallery2—veterans of Art Basel and Frieze—joined by influential spaces such as ThisWeekendRoom, A-Lounge Contemporary, Baik Art, and Gallery Soso, known for spotlighting Korea’s emerging artists on the global stage. New-generation galleries such as CDA, Objecthood, and FFF bring an experimental edge to the fair. Thai audiences, already familiar with Korean cultural exports, will have the opportunity to experience the forefront of Korean contemporary art, strengthening cultural connections between the two nations.
From Thailand, nine key galleries, including Nova Contemporary, SAC Gallery, Gallery VER, and Warin Lab Contemporary, highlight the country’s artistic diversity. Bangkok CityCity Gallery will enrich the fair with an art book lounge, a natural extension of its work as an organizer of Bangkok’s popular art book fair. Internationally renowned Tang Contemporary Art, along with regional leaders A+ WORKS of ART (Kuala Lumpur), The Drawing Room (Manila), and Richard Koh Projects (Singapore), further deepen the fair’s regional representation and add a global dimension to this first-of-its-kind event in Thailand.
Institutional Support and Community Engagement
ACCESS BANGKOK is strengthened by the support of leading Thai cultural institutions, each adding to the fair’s vibrant community atmosphere. Kunsthalle Bangkok will host an exclusive VVIP dinner for top collectors, while A+ WORKS of ART will welcome exhibitors and the local art community to a lively evening at their deCentral Bangkok pop-up on December 5. MOCA Bangkok will further enhance the experience with a VIP party on December 6, bringing together art professionals, enthusiasts, and fair attendees.
“MOCA BANGKOK is thrilled to support Bangkok’s inaugural international art fair, uniting a remarkable selection of Thai and Korean galleries,” said Kit Kanachai Bencharongkul, director of MOCA Bangkok. “We are honored to host two new exhibitions celebrating this cross-cultural creativity and look forward to a new era for the art ecosystem, strengthening connections between countries through the transformative power of contemporary art.”
These events underscore the unique spirit of ACCESS BANGKOK, fostering a vibrant, collaborative atmosphere for galleries, artists, and institutions to connect and celebrate.
Dynamic Programming
ACCESS BANGKOK’s programming includes a series of engaging events. On December 6, ICONSIAM will host a conversation between renowned interior designer Teo Yang and ARTUE CEO Bo Young Song, exploring the intersections of art, design, and digital innovation. Further showcasing Korean cultural influence, architect and bestselling author Hyunjoon Yoo will deliver a lecture at Chulalongkorn University on December 3, hosted by the Korean Cultural Center in Thailand.
To deepen visitor engagement, a daily English-language docent tour, led by a Korean art specialist, will highlight key exhibitions from participating Korean galleries, offering collectors and art lovers a closer look at Korea’s contemporary art scene.
Conclusion
ACCESS BANGKOK marks a pivotal moment for Bangkok’s art scene, bringing local and international galleries, artists, and collectors together in a landmark event. With the support of Thai institutions and leading galleries, ACCESS BANGKOK is set to elevate Bangkok’s status as a key destination in the global art market.
“An international art fair in Bangkok is a milestone for Thailand,” said Jongsuwat Angsuvarnsiri, co-founder of SAC Gallery. “It opens up the market and gives local audiences access to international artists they wouldn’t otherwise see, bridging an essential gap in our art ecosystem.”
Bo Young Song, CEO of ARTUE, stated, “Thailand is already home to numerous artists with international acclaim and hosts prestigious biennales. We are thrilled and honored to participate in bringing Bangkok into the global art market. I hope this occasion sparks meaningful cultural exchange between our two nations. Bangkok has unlimited potential, and just as Frieze Seoul has helped establish Korea as an Asian art hub, we look forward to seeing more exciting events unfold in Bangkok in the future.”
Mr. Supoj Chaiwatsirikul, Managing Director of ICONSIAM Co., Ltd., stated “With ICONSIAM’s position as a Global Destination and our commitment to elevating art and cultural experiences through the ICONSIAM ART & CULTURE concept, ICONSIAM is ready to become a premier destination for art and culture, blending the best of Thai and the World. ACCESS BANGKOK is a prime example of ICONSIAM’s dedication to being a World Hub of Art & Culture. This event truly underscores ICONSIAM’s commitment to promoting art and culture and fostering a community that encompasses all aspects of the arts.”
ACCESS BANGKOK is open to the public from December 5-7, at ICONSIAM, with free entry, inviting everyone to experience this unique convergence of art and culture.
For more information about ACCESS BANGKOK, visit our website and follow us on social media.
Media Contact
Mirim Lee / Co-founder of AML
Email: [email protected]
Website: artue.io
Instagram: @artue.io @acbk.artfair
Image Download: ACCESS BANGKOK
