An international artist and producer exchange programme, hosted by Artsadmin and Creative Migration. The artists selected for the first iteration of Lab X are Nawarat ‘Nammon’ Welployngam, James Gallego Olivo and Tharinee Palm Ratanasatien.
What is Lab X?
Lab X is a pilot artistic residency and cultural exchange between Thailand and the UK, supported by the British Council’s Connections Through Culture programme. It sits within Artsadmin’s artist support programme Lab, a micro residency designed to provide artists with time, space, and money to develop their practice, without expectation of delivery.
Artsadmin and Creative Migration, an international arts organisation based in Los Angeles and Bangkok, have co-designed this nine-month artist development programme, to confront the profound challenges faced by artists and producers working internationally.
Artsadmin will host Thai-based artist and activist Nawarat ‘Nammon’ Welployngam and Community-Based Artist-Activist and Art Director Tharinee Palm Ratanasatien for two weeks in August 2024, whilst Creative Migration’s flagship hub in Thailand, Bangkok 1899, will host London-based movement practitioner and dancer James Gallego Olivo for two weeks in September 2024.
Lab X prioritises cross-collaboration between artists, disciplines, and contexts. Each artist will be provided with:
- £1000 fee
- 2 weeks of studio space
- Materials budget
The programme is an opportunity for artists and producers across locality to engage in mentorship, artistic dialogues and cross-sector support.
Selection Process
Lab X is a pilot programme and is being looked after by a small team. For this iteration of the programme, each organisation nominated and co-selected the artists for the exchange through a closed call.
Bangkok 1899 is a cultural & civic hub representing the intersection of art, design, urbanism and social innovation established by Creative Migration, a women-of-color-led, international arts organization based in Los Angeles and Bangkok. Its Founder & Executive Director, Susannah Tantemsapya, developed Bangkok 1899 with the mission to bring together cultural and climate diplomacy with a special focus on collaborative community building through intersectional practices.
Our historic location, originally built in 1899, was designed by Italian architect Mario Tamagno. His most famous work includes Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, Neilson Hays Library and Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong). For the very first time, this landmark is open to the public. This is the former home of Sanan Devahastin na Ayudhya, who is also known by his noble title ‘Chao Phraya Thammasakmontri,’ Thailand’s father of modern education. He is considered a Renaissance man, well-known for accomplishments such as serving as a former Minister of Education and as the first President of the National Assembly as the Kingdom of Siam transitioned to a constitutional monarchy.
In 2019, Bangkok 1899 officially opened its doors with support from Ford Philanthropy and The Rockefeller Foundation. Since then, this hub has curated vibrant exhibitions and performances through its signature International Artist Residency program. It has also made a significant social impact through its onsite cafe organized by Na Projects, which hosts vocational training for at-risk youth and workshops for urban refugees to facilitate their transition to living in Thailand.
bangkok1899.org
X: @BKK1899 / @CMigration | Instagram: @bangkok1899 /@creativemigration | Facebook: @Bangkok1899 / @CreativeMigration | Linkedin: @CreativeMigration
Nawarat “Nammon” Welployngam is an artist, activist, and the visionary founder of COMMUNITY LAB in Nang Loeng, Bangkok. With a passion for social change and cultural preservation, Nammon has dedicated her life to empowering her community through art and collective action. As an artist, Nammon’s work explores themes of identity, community, and the urban landscape, often using mixed media and public installations to provoke dialogue and inspire change. Through the establishment of COMMUNITY LAB, Nammon has created a vital space for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and advocacy, enriching the cultural fabric of Nang Loeng and beyond.
Facebook: @บ้านนางเลิ้ง – Baan NangLerng | @Community lab
James has worked across dance, theatre and film for choreographers and directors including Jasmin Vardimon, Akram Khan, Hannes Langolf, Joan Clevillé, James Cousins, Jess & Morgs Films, Alleyne Dance, Antler Theatre, Company Nil, Frauke Requardt/David Rosenberg, Jason Mabana and BULLYACHE. He is a lecturer at London Contemporary Dance School, has taught classes at Tripspace, The Hub Studios, Punchdrunk, and has taught improvisation to FKA Twigs. As well as dancing in music videos and shoots for Ikea, Lauren Auder, Beyonce, Mykki Blanco and Marvel, he has also performed throughout the UK, France and Belgium. James’ work and research are heavily influenced by Hip Hop and improvisation, blended with contemporary elements.
Instagram: @Jameywamey
Tharinee Palm Ratanasatien is a dedicated community-based artist and activist. She is the founder of Studio UpCircle, an innovative organization that combines art and upcycling to address environmental issues and enhance living standards in marginalized communities. Palm’s work, exhibited in galleries and public spaces, focuses on community engagement and sustainable practices. Her projects provide economic opportunities and skills training, particularly for women and underprivileged individuals. Through her art, Palm promotes mindfulness, well-being, and environmental sustainability, striving to create a just and equitable future.
Personal Portfolio: taripalm-art.my.canva.site/artportfolio
Studio UpCircle Website: studioupcircle.com
Facebook: Studio Upcircle
