Meliá Chiang Mai resort launches social enterprise to improve lives of Thai communities

Meliá Chiang Mai has unveiled a social enterprise that promotes talented Thai designers, artists and craftsmen to ultimately help communities in need and preserve Thai culture.

Underpinned by the concept of ‘Giving Art, Art of Giving’, The GALLERY, situated in the hotel’s lobby, sells a range of accessories such as handbags, wallets, silks, children’s toys, and home décor items including ceramic bowls and cups made by Thai designers and artists.

All profits from the sale of the handmade items contribute to further artistic endeavours in disadvantaged communities and help preserve and promote local culture, particularly the skills indigenous to over 40 communities across Thailand. The communities surround properties owned by Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC), which established The GALLERY. 

Some of the items on offer are accompanied by a ‘Meet the artist’ story behind the piece.

A handbag with a striking floral pattern, for example, includes young female artist Fhasai’s story: “Fhasai was born with Autism Spectrum Disorder and she finds peace and joy in painting beautiful floral choreographies.”

The GALLERY also includes other products crafted by local artists in Northern Thailand communities such as ‘GHOM LANNA’, a home decoration made from bamboo and inspired by traditional Lanna lanterns.

Introducing the initiative, Meliá Chiang Mai General Manager, Marc Selinger stated “our team feels rewarded to do our bit to help increase much-needed opportunities among Thai artisans to showcase their artwork to a broader audience and promote arts and culture among our hotel’s guests.”

Based on the mission of ‘Building A Better Future’, The GALLERY was established by Meliá Chiang Mai’s owner AWC to showcase Thai artisans’ work. AWC’s efforts are in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8 to “promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all”.

In addition to Meliá Chiang Mai, AWC has rolled out The GALLERY at 17 more of its hotels including the new INNSiDE By Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, which debuted in July 2023 in Bangkok’s emerging On Nut neighbourhood.

Towering over the River Ping and bustling Night Bazaar, Meliá Chiang Mai is situated six kilometres from Chiang Mai International Airport on vibrant Charoen Prathet Road, close to a broad spectrum of tourist attractions, markets and Buddhist temples.

Images courtesy of Meliá Chiang Mai.