Art and sustainability have always been closely intertwined. Art has the power to raise awareness and inspire social and environmental change through the straightforward expression of artists’ ideas. Viewers of these artworks are often prompted to reflect, leading to positive and sustainable changes in society and the environment.

At SUSTAINABILITY EXPO 2024, the BETTER WORLD zone showcases a diverse range of artworks that reflect perspectives on environmental and social sustainability, including photography, painting, sculpture, and many other art forms.

The Royal Photographic Society of Thailand

The photography exhibitions represent a branch of art that promotes awareness and inspiration to care for and value a better world. This is presented through two projects:

“Moments in Nature” Photography Contest

This contest aims to foster love and protect Thailand’s natural resources and environment among the general public, especially youth. Using the natural beauty of national parks across the country as inspiration, it also highlights the importance of the personnel working behind the scenes to safeguard these resources. The project encourages creating morale and support for national park staff and workers, especially those directly responsible for forest conservation. Additionally, it promotes photography as an art form among youth and the public, encouraging the productive use of leisure time through producing internationally competitive photographic works.

ASEAN SX Photo Contest 2024 “ASEAN Biodiversity”

This photography contest promotes and raises awareness of sustainability work across the 10 ASEAN countries — Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Thailand — under the theme “ASEAN Biodiversity.” The exhibition features winning entries from all ten countries.

Chang Phueak Art Exhibition

Organized by Thai Beverage Public Company Limited, this competition seeks emerging Thai artists with exceptional skills in realistic and figurative art, emphasizing realism as the core. Now in its 13th edition, the theme is “Biodiversity,” reminding everyone of the importance of natural balance and celebrating all life on Earth as worthy of protection and care.

National Geographic Thailand Magazine

Exhibits photographs from the National Geographic Thailand Photography Contest 2024, “10 Photos Tell a Story Season 9,” under the theme “FOLLOW THE RIVER — A PHOTO JOURNEY THROUGH THE HEART OF SOUTHEAST ASIA.” The exhibition narrates stories through photos of Southeast Asia’s rivers, seen as the lifeblood and heart that nurtures life, nature, and culture. It presents broad views of rivers connecting the region, especially the major rivers — the Mekong, Irrawaddy, Salween, and Red River — as well as other influential rivers. The exhibition covers environmental, wildlife, flora, regional lifestyles, and current issues faced by rivers and humans alike.

Nitikorn Photo Studio

One of the event activities offers attendees the chance to capture memorable photos at specially designed scenic backdrops. Proceeds from this service will be donated to public benefit organizations. This year, attendees can take photos with popular mascot dolls including “Nong Moo Deng” (Piglet) and the dwarf hippopotamus, both crowd favorites.

SX HALL OF FAME: SX SHAPER AWARD

The SX Shaper Award is a key part of SX, aiming to raise broad awareness and encourage practical actions for sustainable development. Now in its fifth year, this award honors individuals who have made concrete, ongoing contributions to environmental and/or social sustainability. Past recipients include:

• 2020: Mr. Artiwara Kongmalai (Toon Bodyslam) for the “Kao Kon La Kao” (“Step by Step”) project, which raised 1.3 billion baht to support 11 hospitals nationwide.

• 2021: Dr. Thon Thamrongnawasawat, an environmental conservationist renowned for his tireless efforts.

• 2022: Village Health Volunteers (VHVs), who played a crucial role in managing Thailand’s COVID-19 situation, awarded by Dr. Thares Krassanairawiwong, Director-General of the Department of Health Service Support.

• 2023: Professor Emeritus Dr. Krisana Kraisintu, a Thai pharmacist dedicated to global patient care, especially for HIV patients, who pioneered research that successfully produced the first generic anti-HIV drug (“AIDS drug”) in Thailand.

• 2024: The Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage, which continues and advances the royal initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, focusing on human-centric development as a sustainable development model and social enterprise.

Trash To Treasure

Artworks from the 5th Trash to Treasure Art & Design Contest, under the theme “Biodiversity,” created from everyday discarded materials and transformed into valuable pieces. The contest features two categories: 2D art and design, and 3D art and design, ranging from artistic aesthetics to prototypes of furniture and decorative items.

Come join us in making this world a better place to live sustainably. Discover answers and numerous activities at Sustainability Expo 2024: GOOD BALANCE, BETTER WORLD, from now until October 6, 2024, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), main exhibition zone on Floor G, along with SX FOOD FESTIVAL, SX MARKETPLACE, and SX KIDS ZONE on Floor LG. Admission is free!

Special! Download the SX Application, register, check-in, and participate in activities at the event to collect points and receive free souvenirs.