DEVELOPMENT OF THE CREATIVE BUDDHIST ARTS LEARNING CENTER; UNDER THE CHIANG RAI ART CITY STRATEGY

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to 1) study and compile data on the general trends and movements in the art society within Chiang Rai Province under the “Chiang Rai City of Art” strategy for 2024; 2) synthesize and plan the management of knowledge related to “Buddhist Art” through a pilot teaching model in the Buddhist Art Curriculum for the 2024 academic year; 3) create a learning center system and an experimental teaching model focusing on preparing and building experiential skills; and 4) present the outcomes from the integrated learning center system through the organization of the Buddhist Art exhibitions, “Mongkhon” and “The Footprints of Buddha.” This study employed Participatory Action Research (PAR). The key informants consisted of 20 individuals, including instructors, local artists, and students, selected through purposive sampling. The research instruments included semi - structured interviews and participant observation. Data were analyzed using content analysis.

The research results were found as follows;

1) Data and Trends: The promotion of art under the “Chiang Rai: The City of Art, 2024” strategy shows strong potential for the province to grow into a major national art center, particularly reflecting religious and cultural identities.

2) Knowledge Synthesis and Planning: The Buddhist Art Program, developed for the 2024 academic year, successfully integrated theory with practice, incorporating digital technology for contemporary knowledge transmission.

3) Learning Center System: An Experiential Learning Center model was established, utilizing a “Learning by Doing” approach to effectively build professional skills.

4) Outcome Presentation: Student works were successfully presented through the “Mongkhon” and “Footprint of the Buddha” exhibitions. These events, reflecting local Buddhist beliefs, received positive community feedback and demonstrated commercial viability.