Innovative Campaign Transforms City Streets into Art Installations
A leading candidate for Bangkok governor has unveiled a striking new campaign strategy, utilizing projection mapping to bring policy messages to life on the streets. The initiative, which began on June 19th, transforms building facades into dynamic canvases, aiming to make political communication more engaging and artistic.
‘City of Opportunities and Hope’ Takes Center Stage
On Banthadthong Road in the Pathumwan district, candidate number 9 launched a vibrant projection mapping display. Working with 16 artists, the campaign projected policy ideas under the theme “City of Opportunities and Hope.” The launch event, held at the Chula Soi 16 intersection, was attended by key members of the “Bangkok Means Business” team, including Wisanu Subsompon, Tavida Kamolvej, former deputy governor Sanon Wangsrangboon, former BMA sustainability chief Pornprom Vikitsreth, and former BMA spokesperson Ekvarunyoo Amrapal.
Local businesses like Nueng Nom Nua, Nam Tao Hu Clubhouse, and Tang Yu Moo Kratha lent their storefronts to showcase the art, featuring contributions from artists such as 27 JUNE STUDIO, Msyves, Mengtists, and Chonlantha.
Rethinking Political Communication
The candidate expressed a desire to move beyond conventional, often perceived as dull, political messaging. “Why does city communication and campaigning always have to be dull, when the city itself can become a space for artists to create and tell stories in their own way?” he remarked, speaking to reporters.
Sanon Wangsrangboon described the projection mapping as a fusion of technology and art, highlighting it as a novel approach for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to involve New Media artists in public spaces. “This Projection Mapping event is part of the Bangkok Means Business team’s artistic campaign, aimed at showing that campaign media doesn’t have to be limited to banners or standard messaging, but can become art that city residents encounter in daily life,” Wangsrangboon stated.
‘City as Canvas’ Fosters Creativity
Teerawat Klangcharoenchai, also known as Mengtists, who helped coordinate the artists, explained that the team approached over 20 artists before selecting 16. Each artist was tasked with creating work based on the concept “Come as you are.” He further elaborated that the “City as Canvas” initiative was designed to provide a platform for experimentation and shared hope, without necessitating a substantial budget.
Diverse Themes Inspire Artistic Expression
Several participating artists, including Eve Phokakulkanon (Msyves), Chonlanthorn Danwattana (Chonlantha), and Jitsupa Sedthiphanit (Pie Time Studio), shared that their creations explored themes of urban diversity, iconic Bangkok landmarks, and policies designed to encourage residents to spend more time outdoors.
Budget and Viral Reach Emphasized
Regarding the campaign’s financial aspects, Sanon confirmed that the majority of the expenditure was allocated to projector rentals and artist fees. He emphasized that the budget was modest and has been fully disclosed to the Election Commission.
The candidate believes in the power of viral content, describing their strategy as achieving more with less. The idea is that footage of the projection mapping shared on social media can reach a significantly wider audience than the physical display itself.
Viewing Information
The Projection Mapping event is scheduled to run for three days, from June 19th to June 21st, between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM. The display is located at the Charatmuang intersection on Banthadthong Road, near Chula Soi 16. The public is welcome to view the work of all 16 participating artists free of charge.
