How Studio Xang started
Studio Xang started as an art gallery in Bangkok in 1995.
The gallery had a non-profit studio for artist and non-artist, adults and
children to practice visual arts (Art for All). The gallery itself closed but the art
for children activities continued when Studio
Xang art classes opened in Chiang Mai in 2000.
Motivated by the interest of parents from the migrant community in Chiang Mai,
free weekly art classes were created for migrant and exiled children from Burma
in 2002. In 2003 Studio Xang received some funding from MAP foundation over a
period of two years. A close working relationship has developed even since
between the two organizations, particularly between Studio Xang and MAP staff
in the Rights for all program.
Studio Xang started teaching one class of 10 children. Today 400-500 children attend the art classes each month. There are a total of 15 art classes per week in 3 areas of implementation: Chiang Mai (Chiang Mai province), Maesot (Tak province) and Mae La Oon refugee camp (Mae Hong Son province). 250 teachers and community workers from the Thai Burma border and inside Burma have been trained since 2002. The activities in Maesot, Mae La Oon and Ranong were developed by training participants. Sadly, the activities in Ranong (southern Thailand) ended when the main teachers were arrested and deported back to Burma. Ten art exhibitions have also been organised.
Studio Xang has 8 staff members and 34 volunteers. The majority of staff and volunteers are from the migrant community from Burma.
Studio Xang uses art practice as a tool in all our activities. These are: Art for migrant children classes (4-12yrs old), Mobile play room (in non-teaching areas), Power Kid entrepreneurship (12yrs+), art and child development teacher trainings, parent workshops, and Media (production of art teaching material in local languages and advocacy for and by migrant children).
Studio Xang started teaching one class of 10 children. Today 400-500 children attend the art classes each month. There are a total of 15 art classes per week in 3 areas of implementation: Chiang Mai (Chiang Mai province), Maesot (Tak province) and Mae La Oon refugee camp (Mae Hong Son province). 250 teachers and community workers from the Thai Burma border and inside Burma have been trained since 2002. The activities in Maesot, Mae La Oon and Ranong were developed by training participants. Sadly, the activities in Ranong (southern Thailand) ended when the main teachers were arrested and deported back to Burma. Ten art exhibitions have also been organised.
Studio Xang has 8 staff members and 34 volunteers. The majority of staff and volunteers are from the migrant community from Burma.
Studio Xang uses art practice as a tool in all our activities. These are: Art for migrant children classes (4-12yrs old), Mobile play room (in non-teaching areas), Power Kid entrepreneurship (12yrs+), art and child development teacher trainings, parent workshops, and Media (production of art teaching material in local languages and advocacy for and by migrant children).