Bangkok (Thailand) – January 26, 2016 (travelindex) – Bangkok's positive image as an art city is set to be further enhanced by the hosting of the Bukruk II Urban Arts Festival. From January 23 to 31, 2016, the Thai capital will present world-class performances, paintings, and playful forms of expression from 20 artists from Asia and Europe.

Dr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said: “Hosting the Bukruk II Urban Arts Festival, which attracts numerous world-renowned artists and performers, will further solidify the status of the Thai capital as an art city. Bangkok and Thailand attract many international artists, performers, and celebrities every year who enjoy the diversity of tourist offerings and find inspiration for their future masterpieces.”

Following its premiere in 2014, the ten-day event is now taking place for the second time in a riverside neighborhood recently designated a "creative district." It kicks off with a large street festival featuring music on three stages, followed by six exhibitions, ten giant murals in public spaces, an evening of animation, a mobile printing press, workshops, and artist talks. A mapping projection and an open-air party provide the grand finale.

Bukruk II Urban Arts Festival: Highlights:

– The Bukruk Music Festival takes place on January 23rd, bringing together a vibrant mix of musicians and artists from across Europe and Asia for its opening party in an authentic, historic naval dry dock, just a short walk from the Saphan Taksin BTS station. – New murals are created daily in various locations throughout the streets of the surrounding Bang Rak neighborhood. Stroll from wall to wall and witness street art luminaries like Spaniard Aryz and Belgian Roa at work. – From January 26th to 30th, seven partner galleries will host exquisite art exhibitions featuring over 100 original works by twelve Bukruk artists. – A mobile print shop will be open daily, offering handcrafted zines by the French artist collective Le Dernier Cri, exclusive limited-edition screen prints by Bukruk artists (produced by The Archivist's local print shops), and other Bukruk souvenirs. On January 23 and 30, the newly redesigned shop by Thai design team 56th Studio will transform into a fully-fledged print studio. There, The Archivist will introduce visitors to the art of screen printing, and they can take their own creations home. – Bukruk and TCDC are joining forces to present two luminaries of the scene: animator Panop Koonwat and graphic designer Le Dernier Cri. On January 29, Panop will give an introduction to character development and animation, while Le Dernier Cri will present the art of zine making. – On January 30, Talad Knack of The Jam Factory will serve as the backdrop for unforgettable open-air screenings of European and Asian animated films, selected by Panam Anim and Florence Lucas from France. Yuree Kensaku and Maythee Nojinda will captivate the audience at dusk with a live performance that blends music and animation. – On January 31, the TCDC's new building, the Grand Post Office, will open its doors to the public for the first time. National and international artists will present their work. Following talks by Martha Cooper, Motomichi Nakamura, Florence Lucas, and The Archivist, you are welcome to ask them questions and then attend the final program of Bukruk. – The Bukruk II Urban Arts Festival concludes with a stylish open-air party in the historic Grand Post Office, which will be reimagined and transformed by Japanese multimedia artist Motomichi Nakamura in a massive mapping projection.