Art lovers are invited to immerse in the contemporary art scene of Bangkok during “Colorful Bangkok Expo 2024”, which will kick off tomorrow and run daily from 4pm to 9pm, until Sunday. The venue is Lan Khon Mueang square in front of Bangkok City Hall, Sao Chingcha.

Held in collaboration with many organisations and cultural networks, the expo will encapsulate vibrant and creative tourism that integrated art and culture over the past three months of “Colorful Bangkok 2023”.

Visitors will get to experience the imaginative and colourful atmosphere of the city and explore its diverse artistic expressions presented through a wide range of programmes, covering an art market, stage shows, an outdoor cinema, talk sessions, and concerts.

Each day will start with a contemporary performance, including live music by the Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music tomorrow, a stand-up comedy by Nho Nonthaburian on Friday, a performance of pleng e-saew traditional Thai folk songs on Saturday, and a pantomime by Babymime on Sunday.

Many artists and creative professionals in the art industry will exchange knowledge and provide updates on the current state of the art world in a series of talks. Topics include: “How can Bangkok become an artistic city?”, “How should Thailand strategically develop its soft power?”, “Thai Movie vs Soft Power” and “How is Thailand’s art industry?”

On the screen at the outdoor cinema will be high-quality Thai films including Once Upon A Star and select foreign movies — Shaolin Soccer, a 2001 Hong Kong sports comedy, with a live Thai-dubbed presentation; and Notting Hill (1999).

Taking turns to perform on the four evenings will be renowned artists including indie-pop duo Landokmai, indie-pop quintet Purpeech, Stoondio, 2 Days Ago Kids, A Little Bit High, Plastic Plastic, and Earth Patravee.

This is also an opportunity to browse through artworks, crafts and products designed by Thai artists and creators, offering a diverse range of innovative ideas that make art accessible in everyday life.

For those interested in learning about the history surrounding Bangkok City Hall, there will be a 90-minute walking tour with narration provided by experts, starting at 5pm, from Friday to Sunday. Places are limited.

Another interesting activity is “Duo Shots Knockout” competition organised by the Royal Photographic Society of Thailand. Contestants will be give specific themes for simultaneous photography and they have to choose the best shot from their collection for submission. A panel of judges will select and provide feedback on each photo during the event.

Each night will conclude with projection mapping on the facade of Bangkok City Hall building, at 9pm. Designed by Bodhi Theatre, which is renowned for its groundbreaking experiences with projection mapping technology, the show will interpret the essence of being in Bangkok.