Over the past years, Silom and Charoenkrung in the Bang Rak neighborhood has seen a rise of art galleries opening. Each unique and different, the galleries are a response to growing interest in art by both local and international artists. In an effort to provide opportunity for Bangkokians to become connected to art, the galleries created a monthly evening gallery hopping event.
The primary goal of this event is to draw visitors to the galleries but its unintended benefits for the visitors are multifold. Visitors now get to be adventurous and explore Bang Rak, one part of the Creative District, on foot. By wandering the sidewalks of this neighborhood on their self guided tour, Bangkokians can stop and visit interesting establishments they would have otherwise zoomed by in their cars. Bang Rak, in return, gets an influx of people and renewed interest and appreciation for the neighborhood. Regularly participating establishments in the gallery hopping event include ATTA Gallery, The Jam Factory, Serindia Gallery, P.Tendercool, and Speedy Grandma.
Should you find yourself joining this event, stop and talk to gallery owners. Their views on art and the artwork they exhibit may change your perspective on the subject matter. Ask about their tenacity in leading the charge for art. Take the opportunity to converse with like-minded people and grow your network because one can never have enough friends in a lifetime.