Today, Thailand is leading South East Asia’s contemporary art scene, possessing a rich array of artists increasingly aware of their presence on the world stage. deCentral seeks to be a part of this exciting cultural moment, to serve the Thai community and be a part of this country’s growing arts ecology, believing its artists deserve a better networked and constructive ecology, linking their ideas to knowledge and opportunity beyond the presumed and the known.
Opening at the end of 2026 – across two locations in Bangkok and Chiang Mai – deCentral seeks to nurture the development, showcase, expertise and understanding of contemporary art in Thailand. We want to encourage our local creative community to be interdisciplinary in engagement, experimental in ethos, innovative in approach, with an understanding their value is in their address of the pressing issues facing our world today.
At deCentral, we curate exhibitions, commission artworks, offer learning programs, and cross-industry collaborations, providing opportunities for makers to be ambitious with their ideas. deCentral aims to deliver cohesive programs, sharing the brilliance of Thailand’s diverse artistic communities around the country, seeking a broader cultural landscape of exchange at home and abroad.
Punn Chirakiti, Co-Founder & Co-Executive Director (Strategy) of deCentral, states that “art serves not only as a means of cultural expression but also as a reflection of society and a driver of change. Central Group acknowledges the significant impact of art and the necessity of empowering artists to reach their full potential.”
“In an effort to advance the Thai art sector, ‘deCentral’ has launched the ‘Artwork Production Grant’ program aimed at assisting both emerging and established Thai artists. This initiative offers the chance to produce new art works that engage with contemporary themes that addresses the social realities of our times, in the interest of fostering awareness of the valuable role artists play in helping us see contemporary life. The program will provide 9 grants, each valued at 150,000 baht (subject to terms and conditions). Artworks funded will be eventually showcased at deCentral, offering art lovers, collectors, curators, and international audiences the chance to appreciate stories anchored in contexts from across the country.
The “Production Grant” program is now accepting applications from artists nationwide, running from 1 April to 30 June 2025. Selected recipients will be revealed on 15 September 2025. Those interested in applying can find further information and application instructions at deCentralth.com.
Central Group and its subsidiaries are dedicated to promoting art and culture through a variety of projects and initiatives.
