In its third installation, Bangkok River Exchange is melding minds on music and unleashing its potential.
Art exhibitions and theatrical performance, concerts and festivals, craft markets and literary talks are significant drivers of any city’s cultural scene, and by extension the locals’ quality of life and the tourism industry. In that mix, music especially holds a certain positive power in the making of a city. The Cities of Culture Exchange is an opportunity to share experiences of the music-driven economy in Liverpool and Bangkok.
In the UK, The Beatles arguably put Liverpool on the map for fans in the 1950’s. The city’s love for its music has continued to develop, alongside its famous football team, creating a strong cultural scene that is clearly supported by its government and citizens.
Bangkok too has a love affair with music. From traditional rhythm and karaoke to the latest pop from here and around the world, fans flock to watch performances and sing along to music of their favourite genres. Now, the industry is being reshaped by weekend festivals and micro-venues that offer a diverse range of live music offerings.
On Tuesday 16 May, from 14:00 at the new Warehouse 30 community space on Charoenkrung soi 30 in the Creative District, two local heroes join Liverpool City’s Director of Culture, Ms Claire McColgan, to share how music can transform a city and re-energize tourism.
Ahead of the discussion, British music group, UNDERWORLD will be the headline act at Super Summer Sound (Asiatique 13 May). They share the stage with Thai and international electronic music artists including: Maika Loubte (Tokyo), Nolens.Volens, TELEx TELEXs, X0809, DCNXTR and Kidnapper (Bangkok).
Claire McColgan’s visit to Bangkok provides an opportunity to explore common goals with Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sport, and strengthen ties between the two countries in respect to cultural-driven tourism.
Minister of Tourism & Sport, Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, says:
“Events like Wonderfruit, Bangkok’s International Festival of Dance & Music, and the Hua Hin Jazz Festival, demonstrate the opportunity for cultural-tourism and the benefits for the local music industry. Whenever Thai’s dance and sing, visitors love to join in.”
British Ambassador to Thailand, Brian Davidson, says:
“This event represents an excellent example of partnership and collaboration between the UK and Thailand. Music joins people from all nationalities together, but it also defines a country. The UK is globally known for its music: we gave birth to The Beatles, Coldplay, Adele and One Direction to name but a few. So I’m pleased to welcome Liverpool City’s Director of Culture to Bangkok to share her expertise on how music can transform a city and support culture-driven tourism.”
