Policy Direction on Folk Music and Performing Arts Management in Thailand

Abstract

The Research on Policy Direction on Music and Performing Arts Management in Thailand is a qualitativeresearch, aiming to study so as to determine policy direction on folk music and performancemanagement of the Department of Cultural Promotion. The results of this Research are as follows:1. According to the study of folk music and performance situation in Thailand, the music and localperformance in Thailand are different from those in a variety of regions, by having total 4 objectives;that is to say, 1) for funning and alleviating working tiredness, 2) for celebrating the achievement ofpersons or society, 3) for offering to Buddha in virtuous and meritorious activities, and 4) for conductingworship to the spirits and the angels or being used in rites and rituals. However, at present the importanceof music and local performance has tremendously reduced and has changed from the previous ones inthe form of showing forms, music instruments, dressings, and in particular change in roles and dutiestowards society as a result of change in society and economics. The survival of showings in society isdue to the things which are symbols and identities of a variety of local communities. In addition, thepublic sector continues to support various operations as appropriate; nonetheless, it is for the purpose ofconservation, rather than further development to add economic values.2. According to the proposal of policy direction on folk music and performance management of theDepartment of Cultural Promotion, the Researcher utilized concepts concerning management, theUNESCO Culture Production Cycle, and safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage guidelines underthe UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage as frameworks usedin study and determination of 8 issues used in preparing the proposal of the policy direction on folkmusic and performance management of the Department of Cultural Promotion, comprising 1. the policy/ management 2. Creation 3. Production 4. Dissemination 5. exhibition / reception / transmission 6.consumption / participation 7. archiving / preserving and 8. education / training. According to results ofpreparing the proposals of policy direction on folk music and performance management of the Departmentof Cultural Promotion, there were 30 policy proposals, 30 aims, and 95 strategies.Key words: policy direction, management, folk music and performing arts, creation, UNESCO cultureproduction cycle