Early Years Project #8 : Be Your Own Island 

Organised by Bangkok Art and Culture Centre and BMA
Principal Corporate Supporter: Thai Beverage Public Company.,Ltd
Project Supporter: Christie’s 
Media Partners: ONCE and Room Books 

Artists
Thanawat Numcharoen 
Nitithorn Nooklin
Pitchapa Wangprasertkul
Pipatpong Seepeng
Papimol Lotrakul
Yotsunthon Ruttapradid
Lalita Singkhampuk
Apisara Hophaisarn

The 8th Early Years Project (EYP#8) for 2025 aspires to cultivate and empower emerging artists, offering them unparalleled opportunities to showcase their talents and develop their potential in contemporary art. Designed as a dynamic platform for artistic growth, the project provides financial support to facilitate skill enhancement and knowledge acquisition in contemporary practices. Chosen by an interdisciplinary panel of esteemed juries, the selected participants reflect diversity across nationality, ethnicity, gender, and age seniority, embracing inclusivity as a cornerstone of the initiative. Not merely an exhibition, this programme fosters connections with networks in the contemporary art sphere, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to become self-reliant and thrive in the long term.  

Organised on the 7th floor of the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) under the theme of ‘Be Your Own Island,’ this programme, drawing profound inspiration from the Buddhist teaching of self-reliance, imposes a unique challenge: participants must work within the constraints of the existing space, with no allowance for additional construction. Such limitations demand not only adaptability but also problem-solving and flexibility, compelling artists to refine their workflows and align their creative processes with immediate constraints — formative conditions that foster the skills and competences essential for artists to navigate the unpredictable challenges of their artistic journey.

Integral to the programme are practical workshops, designed to guide participants in exploring their identities as artists, positioning themselves within the contemporary art world, and establishing their personal brand. Not only do these workshops delve into symbolic design processes, hands-on exhibition design, and installation practice, but they also emphasise networking, adapting to contemporary currents, and seizing opportunities within them, grounding artists firmly in their cultural and social contexts. Additionally, participants will experiment with opening their own studios, fostering critique and dialogue, while exploring the ideologies underpinning art collection and gaining insights into international art organisations, such as Christie’s Thailand. At the culmination of EYP#8, three standout artists will be awarded monetary grants and opportunities for artistic exchange, both domestically and internationally, marking a significant milestone in their careers.

The Early Years Project (EYP) stands as a transformative initiative dedicated to supporting emerging artists. Conducted seven times thus far, it has seen over 56 young artists selected to participate, each undergoing a transformative process aimed at cultivating their potential. Central to this initiative is the nurturing of knowledge, experience, skills, and competencies, enabling artists to adapt their creativity to align with professional pathways, both locally and internationally. From the production and exhibition of works in public spaces to the critical analysis and interpretation of meanings, to the collaboration with networks of curators, critics, and academics, participants are guided through every stage of their artistic journey. 

Equally important is the project’s emphasis on fostering connections, not only between individuals but also across sectors, by integrating interdisciplinary knowledge and practices. Through this approach, artists gain multidisciplinary insights, enhancing their capabilities and ensuring sustainability within the realms of art, business, and social benefit. Moreover, the project aspires to encourage inquiry, reinterpretation, and critical reflection, while facilitating dialogue between artistic disciplines. By doing so, it seeks to deepen understanding, enrich perspectives, and empower emerging artists to thrive with resilience and quality in their creative practices.