29 November 2025 to 30 April 2026
Thailand Biennale Phuket 2025 is a national contemporary art biennial set across Phuket, featuring Thai and international artists under the theme “Eternal [Kalpa],” which explores long-timescale relations between humans and nature and encourages sustainable cultural tourism. The edition is scheduled to run from November 2025 to April 2026, with program activity across multiple districts and outdoor/indoor venues on the island.
Origins and History of Biennales
The biennale format originated in 1895 with the Venice Biennale, established as the “International Art Exhibition of the City of Venice”. Mayor Riccardo Selvatico conceived this exhibition to honour the silver anniversary of King Umberto I and Queen Margherita of Savoy. The inaugural event attracted over 224,000 visitors and featured artists from 14 countries.
The term “biennale” derives from the Italian word meaning “every two years”. Venice’s success established the biennial format as the standard for recurring international contemporary art exhibitions. The exhibition became increasingly international during the early 20th century, with Belgium installing the first national pavilion in 1907.
The Venice model inspired global proliferation of biennales throughout the 20th century. Major exhibitions emerge,d including the São Paulo Biennial (1951) and documenta in Kassel (1955). Today, hundreds of biennales operate worldwide, forming the structural foundation of contemporary art’s international exhibition system.
Thailand Biennale: Rotating International Contemporary Art Exhibition
The Thailand Biennale stands as the country’s premier international contemporary art exhibition. The Office of Contemporary Art and Culture under Thailand’s Ministry of Culture organises this rotating festival that moves between different provinces for each edition.
Thailand’s approach differs from traditional biennials by changing locations rather than staying in one city. Previous editions took place in Krabi (2018) under the theme “Edge of the Wonderland,” Nakhon Ratchasima (2021) with “Butterflies Frolicking on the Mud,” and Chiang Rai (2023) featuring “The Open World”. Each edition attracted millions of visitors and generated substantial economic benefits.
The fourth edition, Thailand Biennale Phuket 2025, runs from November 2025 to April 2026 under the theme “Eternal Kalpa”.
Theme and Direction
- Theme: Eternal [Kalpa] — focusing on human, nature relationships, technology, resource use, and the consequences of human-centric systems.
- Aim: Promote art and sustainable tourism; position Phuket as a city of art alongside its UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy status.
- Leadership: Artistic direction cites David Teh, with curatorial perspectives addressing ecology, technology, and coexistence.
Dates and Duration - Public program timeframe: November 2025–April 2026.
- Social announcement: 29 Nov 2025–30 Apr 2026.
Venues and Areas
Activities and exhibitions will be spread across Phuket, with coverage noting three main zones: Phuket Old Town, Kathu, and Promthep Cape, plus satellite salas and pavilions from international partners. Sites will include both cultural heritage and landscape locations across the island.
Artists and Program Scale
More than 60 Thai and international artists are planned to participate across media, including installations, sculpture, moving image, performance, and interactive works.
Reported early-confirmed names include Andrew Thomas Huang, Pauline Curnier Jardin & Feel Good Cooperative, Oat Montien, Tawan Wattuya, Chantana Tiprachart, Pitupong Chaowakul, Oliver Laric, and Haig Aivazian, among others.
Why It Matters for Phuket
The biennale aims to strengthen Phuket’s cultural identity beyond tourism by investing in contemporary art and potential long-term public artworks, elevating Phuket as a regional cultural destination.
Previous editions rotated across Thai cities; Phuket 2025 continues the model of placing art in site-specific contexts to engage local heritage and communities.
The Thailand Biennale, Phuket 2025 will run from November 2025 to April 2026. Those interested in learning more can visit:
🌐 www.thailandbiennale.org
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/thailandbiennale
📞 Ministry of Culture Hotline: 1765
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