Last year, during the super lively Southeast Asia debut of the E+C Pavilion in Bangkok at the last CCAT (Creatives For Climate Action Thailand) conference, my partner and I had the absolute joy of meeting someone truly inspiring: Susannah Tantemsapya. The vibe at Bangkok 1899, where all the magic happened, was just incredible. We cooked up a fun panel discussion, made friends for life, and seriously learned a lot. But beyond all the environmental talk and new connections, one thing that really stuck with us was the heart of Bangkok 1899 itself, and Susannah, the incredible woman behind it all, who, by the way, gives the best hugs.
Susannah Tantemsapya, Photo by DOGHERINEPhoto by Chut Janthachotibutr
Bangkok 1899 is so much more than an old building; it’s a living, breathing testament to how you can beautifully blend history with a passionate drive for a sustainable future. To really get what makes it tick, you gotta know about Creative Migration, the organization that pours so much life into this amazing cultural hub. As Susannah put it,
“Creative Migration is a women-of-color-led, international arts organization based in Los Angeles and Bangkok. Our mission is to bring together cultural and climate diplomacy with a special focus on collaborative community building through intersectional practices.”
Susannah kicked off Creative Migration in California back in 2005. Then, in 2018, she brought it’s awesome work to Thailand, opening Bangkok 1899 with some crucial support from Ford Philanthropy and The Rockefeller Foundation. What’s even more impressive, their commitment to our planet goes way back, even before this big move.
“Since 2011, our nonprofit has employed environmentally regenerative practices throughout our projects and day-to-day operations, implementing its own Climate Policy to reduce the carbon footprint of all projects and operations,” – Susannah shared, showing just how long they’ve been all about being green.
A House of Innovation Reborn
Photo by Krirakrit Worawetkulsage
The story of Bangkok 1899 starts with this gorgeous old building, designed by the Italian architect Mario Tamagno way back in 1899. It used to be the private home of Chao Phraya Thammasakmontri, who’s widely seen as the father of modern education in Thailand. After sitting empty for about 12 years, the owners, seeing its incredible potential, let Creative Migration give it a new life for non-commercial use. Susannah lit up when she talked about the inspiration.
“It was a house of innovation for its time.” – Susannah Tantemsapya
Her vision for restoring it was super clear: respecting the architectural intention. Even without the original blueprints, those soaring ceilings and naturally breezy spaces feel perfectly suited for modern living. The second floor, especially, is a chameleon, easily transforming from artist residencies to offices, or even hosting cool stuff like sound baths, film screenings, and workshops.
Sustainable Style, Old and New
Photo by Chut JanthachotibutrPhoto by Chut Janthachotibutr
The design process for Bangkok 1899 was a beautiful dance between honoring its past and embracing modern, eco-friendly ideas. Creative Migration, with architect Alexander Sanpradit leading the charge, made sustainability a top priority every step of the way. They cleverly reused and repurposed existing building materials. A huge step toward saving energy was adding insulation to the attic (a first for the place!) which helps cut down on energy use and actually cools the building by a whopping 10-20 degrees Celsius. Ceiling fans, strategically placed on those high ceilings, keep the air moving, so they barely need the air conditioners. Plus, all the green spaces around the building – a backyard, front yard, and lots of plants create natural cooling systems, shrinking its environmental footprint even more.
Photo by Chut Janthachotibutr
But sustainability at Bangkok 1899 goes way beyond the building itself. They’re super careful about waste management, diverting tons of trash from landfills and recycling through awesome local initiatives like Precious Plastic Bangkok and Studio UpCircle. Even their water choice shows their commitment: “We purchase bottled refillable glass drinking water for the Creative Migration team.” These partnerships make sure everything from batteries to light bulbs and e-waste gets recycled the right way. They even do regular audits to check their waste practices. Materials get reused and repurposed until they’re truly done. The building’s insulation, tons of natural light, and using only LED lighting all work together to save energy. Digital gear runs on rechargeable batteries, temperatures inside are kept steady to avoid AC spikes, and all air conditioning systems are turned off when not in use.
Photo by Chut Janthachotibutr
Right inside Bangkok 1899, you’ll find Na Cafe, a wonderful collaborative space that uses food and drinks to connect, inspire, and create social change. Through Na Projects and the cafe, they run vocational training programs for at-risk youth, host a monthly chef’s table by urban refugees, and have beverage programs that are all about plastic-free practices.
Connecting Climate and Culture
The recent E+C Pavilion event, which dove into how climate, culture, and entertainment intersect, was a perfect fit for Bangkok 1899. Susannah put it beautifully:
“Bangkok 1899 is not only a restored historical landmark, but our hub also acts as a living model of sustainability through our day-to-day operations and programs.” – Susannah Tantemsapya
They even put out Climate Impact Reports for all their big events, showing exactly how they’re tackling climate adaptation and mitigation. The hub, Susannah says, “serves as an example of pro-environmental behavior through our actions.”
Having the first E+C Pavilion in the Asia-Pacific region at Bangkok 1899 was also super natural, thanks to Susannah’s own involvement. As a Nonprofit Advisor for E+C and a member of the UN Climate Change sectoral initiative Entertainment and Culture for Climate Action (ECCA), it was just meant to be. The conference, which Creative Migration produced with Creatives for Climate Action – Thailand, was all about sparking conversations and connecting global players with the local community. “Creative Migration is increasingly involved in this global, intersectional space,” Susannah confirmed.
For Susannah Tantemsapya, transforming this historic building into a sustainable cultural hub has been incredibly rewarding, even though it’s been a tough climb. “From the start, establishing Bangkok 1899 seemed like an impossible project that many people told me couldn’t happen; it wasn’t ‘realistic,'” she openly admitted. Not growing up in Thailand, she faced big challenges navigating the language, culture, and systems. But she powered through.
“But I made it happen, so it has been incredibly rewarding to have navigated this challenging path of architect/environmental conservation, community development, fundraising, business/property management, curatorial practices, etc.” – Susannah Tantemsapya
And imagine, they even survived the craziness of COVID-19, having just opened their doors in early 2019!
Photo by The Standard
Keeping the place running still has its quirks. “Many local Thais find the concept of an open, egalitarian space strange,” Susannah observed. And explaining new sustainability models focused on climate adaptation and mitigation isn’t always easy. While terms like UNDP SDGs are thrown around a lot, people often don’t fully grasp them. Susannah believes “the most significant and understandable change comes from community-driven DIY projects that many of our partners do. This is what we aim to highlight and support.”
“The grassroots level can influence larger systems, and the folks with the least resources are often the most innovative.”
The ongoing challenge, she notes, is figuring out how to make these systems more efficient with the right support, whether it’s for places like Bangkok 1899 or community programs like Studio UpCircle. Despite these hurdles, Susannah’s optimistic: “I believe this is changing, and gathering people at events like the E+C Pavilion can often spark the right kind of collaboration.”
Photo by The Standard
Bangkok 1899 truly shines as an example of what can happen when passion, respect for history, and a deep commitment to the future all come together. It’s a beautiful tribute to Susannah Tantemsapya’s amazing vision, and a place that truly embodies a connected, sustainable world.
The second day of the Entertainment + Culture Pavilion in Bangkok continued to merge cultural expression with climate action through thought-provoking and interactive sessions. Building on the rich discussions and activities from the first day, this second installment delved deeper into the intersection of culture and environmentalism, highlighting the unique contributions and challenges of South and Southeast Asia in the global climate movement.
The day began with an exploration of “imperfect environmentalism,” a concept that resonated with many participants. This theme reflected the growing awareness that striving for perfection can sometimes hinder progress. The Pavilion provided a platform for a more inclusive and realistic approach to climate action, emphasizing the importance of mental health and community support in sustaining long-term efforts.
Dynamic sessions showcased the power of storytelling and media in climate advocacy. From panel discussions to hands-on workshops, participants were encouraged to harness their creativity and skills to amplify their messages and inspire broader engagement. The blend of cultural heritage and innovative media techniques underscored the Pavilion’s commitment to leveraging diverse forms of expression to address the climate crisis.
Imperfect Environmentalism in South & Southeast Asia
The day’s first panel discussion, “Imperfect Environmentalism in Action: Highlighting the Nuances of Sustainability in South & Southeast Asia,” organized by Green & Beyond Magazine, set the tone. Nasrin Sultana Maesha, Co-founder and Creative Director of Green & Beyond Magazine, hosted the session. Panelists included Janjaree Chianwichai (Food Policy Manager, Southeast Asia Region at Humane Society International), Kittikun Saksung (Coordinator, Global Youth Biodiversity Network for Asia and Thailand), Gunjan Nanda (Co-founder, Director of Operations at Entertainment + Culture Pavilion), and Shoummo Ahmed (Co-founder, Editor at Green & Beyond Magazine).
The panelists discussed sustainable practices influenced by cultural norms in South and Southeast Asia and the challenges posed by the introduction of unsustainable habits. They also addressed the pressures of perfectionism within the climate movement, which can negatively impact mental health and the overall effectiveness of the movement. The speakers emphasized the importance of acknowledging and embracing imperfection in environmental efforts and shared strategies for maintaining mental well-being while contributing to climate action.
Storytelling Circle: Frontline Voices from Thailand
Following the panel, the “Storytelling Circle: Frontline Voices from Thailand” interactive session took place, organized by the Changing Climate Changing Lives (CCCL) Film Festival. This session gathered Thai journalists, filmmakers, and media professionals to discuss the challenges and opportunities of climate storytelling in popular culture. Participants explored methods to convey the realities of the climate crisis to a broader audience through compelling narratives and media.
Audiovisual Sovereignty and Impactful Media Production Intensive Workshop
The day continued with an immersive workshop titled “Audiovisual Sovereignty and Impactful Media Production Intensive Workshop,” facilitated by Kirsten Wessel, Co-Founder and Director of Content + Communications of the Entertainment + Culture Pavilion and SAUNTR, alongside The Convergence team of Daniel Cervenka and Elise Orlowski.
Recognizing the critical role of storytelling in highlighting the climate crisis and promoting climate actions, this workshop aimed to equip participants with the skills to produce impactful media. From basic camera handling to creating professional documentaries, attendees learned hands-on techniques. The workshop included a practical exercise where participants filmed a mini-documentary at the nearby Nang Loeng Market and later edited their footage, culminating in a screening of their work.
Climate Joy + Eco Pride Party
The event concluded on a high note with the Climate Joy + Eco Pride party, featuring a closing DJ set by Baitong~xystems, a renowned DJ in Thailand. The party provided a space for organizers and participants to unwind and celebrate their shared commitment to climate action in a vibrant and joyous atmosphere.
The second day of the Entertainment + Culture Pavilion in Bangkok exemplified the power of cultural engagement in driving climate action. From panel discussions on imperfect environmentalism to hands-on media production workshops, the event highlighted the diverse ways in which culture can contribute to the climate movement. By bringing together voices from across South and Southeast Asia, the Pavilion fostered a sense of community and collaboration, encouraging participants to embrace imperfection and amplify their stories in the fight against climate change. The event’s successful conclusion with a celebratory party underscored the importance of joy and pride in sustaining long-term environmental efforts.
The fight against climate change demands a multifaceted approach, one that harnesses innovation, collaboration, and, perhaps most surprisingly, culture. The Entertainment + Culture Pavilion (E+C Pavilion) is a dynamic platform that blends culture with climate action. It made its much-anticipated debut in the Asia-Pacific region on June 28, 2024, setting the stage for a transformative event in Bangkok, Thailand. Building on the momentum generated by the Creatives for Climate Action – Thailand (CCAT) conference, the E+C Pavilion unfolded at Bangkok 1899. This two-day event marked a significant expansion of the Pavilion’s global footprint, following its successful launch at COP28 in Dubai.
The E+C Bangkok Pavilion was not just another climate conference. It became a vibrant hub filled with creativity, where artists, activists, and cultural leaders converged to explore the transformative power of culture in shaping a sustainable future. Co-designed with organizations like Creative Migration, Bangkok 1899, Sauntr Media, The Convergence, Green & Beyond Magazine, and Love Frankie, the program offered a dynamic mix of activities.
The event took place at Bangkok 1899, a cultural and civic hub established by Creative Migration, an international arts organization based in Bangkok and Los Angeles. This historic location, once the home of Chao Phraya Thammasakmontri, the father of Thailand’s modern education, was designed by Italian architect Mario Tamagno under King Rama VI.
A Look at Day One of the Entertainment + Culture Bangkok Pavilion
Culture is central to climate action, and the Entertainment + Culture Pavilion thrives on this idea. The first day’s programming showcased the vibrancy and impact of the event.
Catalyzing Culture-Based Climate Action in Thailand Reception
The event started with a reception for local ministerial authorities and representatives from the UNFCCC RCC in the Asia-Pacific region. Key stakeholders, including Michael Schmeiser (Deputy Head of Mission at the Austrian Embassy in Bangkok and President of the EUNIC Cluster in Thailand), Jens Radschinski (Regional Expert on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and Carbon Pricing at UNFCCC/IGES Regional Collaboration Centre for Asia and the Pacific (RCC-AP) ), Susannah Tantemsapya (Founder & Executive Director of Bangkok 1899 and Creative Migration), Daniel Cervenka and Elise Orlowski (The Convergence), and Gunjan Nanda and Samuel Rubin (Co-Founders of the E+C Pavilion), discussed the importance of incorporating culture into climate action to develop effective solutions to the climate crisis.
Panel Talk on Culture and Climate
A compelling panel discussion was hosted by Kamori Osthananda, a Climate Youth Negotiator at COP29 and Thai Youth Delegate at COP28. Speakers such as Kanitha Kasina-Ubol (Managing Director of The Siam Society Under Royal Patronage), Moe Moe Lwin (Vice-Chairwoman of Seacha and Co-Chair of the Culture@COP28 Working Group), and Sasiyada Naowanonsha (Diplomat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Thai Delegate at SB60) shared their insights on the importance of including culture in the climate movement from Thailand’s and Southeast Asia’s perspectives.
Mapping Entertainment and Culture for Climate Action in Thailand
This strategic session, hosted by the UNFCCC’s Sectoral Initiative Entertainment and Culture for Climate Action (ECCA), focused on mapping out the future of entertainment and cultural initiatives in climate action, fostering strategies and partnerships. Facilitated by Gunjan Nanda, Samuel Rubin, and Susannah Tantemsapya, the discussion included insights from Fah Bhawika (Thailand Ambassador of Tocco), Saengchai Chitboonthaweesuk (Business Development Manager of Sahachai Promotion Co., Ltd.), and Suthavee Pangkanon (Co-Founder of Meta Absolute Co., Ltd.). They shared their environmental initiatives, discussed best practices in sustainable production, and identified opportunities for improvement in Thailand.
Gamifying Climate Action
In an interactive gamification session, Gunjan Nanda demonstrated how gamifying climate actions could make climate communication more engaging and effective. The session was followed by a couple rounds of the game Chatty Changemakers that enabled participants to not only connect among themselves but also have important conversations surrounding their climate advocacy journey.
Impact Storytelling Workshop
Led by Daniel Cervenka and Elise Orlowski from The Convergence, the Impact Storytelling Workshop highlighted the power of narrative in driving climate action. Daniel emphasized the unique role of films in fostering empathy and bridging diverse communities, underscoring their potential to generate real-world impact, such as influencing national energy policies. Elise echoed this sentiment, drawing parallels between cultural events and storytelling, and encouraging participants to harness their own narrative abilities. The workshop fostered an inclusive environment where attendees, regardless of their background, could share insights and learn practical storytelling techniques. This collective approach aimed to amplify the voices of various communities, ensuring that their stories resonate and inspire actionable change beyond the event.
Crystal Bowl Sound Healing
The day concluded with a meditation session of crystal bowl sound healing led by Borriboon Suklertnuntakij, helping participants relax and refocus. The session was a generous donation from Community Lab and Sati Space.
A Gateway to Global Participation
The first day of the E+C Bangkok Pavilion underscored the transformative potential of culture in addressing climate change. Through a diverse array of activities, from insightful panel discussions to interactive workshops, the event showcased how cultural engagement can foster innovative solutions and drive impactful climate action. Key stakeholders and experts shared practical examples and strategies, emphasizing the importance of integrating creative expression and storytelling into climate communication.
By bringing together artists, activists, business leaders, and policymakers, the Pavilion created a dynamic platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange. This event not only highlighted the significance of cultural perspectives in global climate dialogues but also prepared local institutions for a more active role at COP29. The momentum generated on this first day promises to inspire further progress and strengthen the global movement for culture-based climate action.
Bangkok’s vibrant streets recently hosted a novel approach to climate action: one that harnessed the power of creativity and storytelling. The Entertainment + Culture Pavilion just made its first incursion in Southeast Asia with a pop-up presentation of this groundbreaking initiative, staged initially at COP28 in Dubai.
This program was designed with others such as Creative Migration, Bangkok 1899, Sauntr Media, The Convergence, Green & Beyond Magazine, and Love Frankie. In this manner, the program offered a vibrant combination of activities. It wasn’t your average climate conference. E+C Pavilion Bangkok, hosted in Bangkok 1899, became an exhilarating platform in one of the culturally rich venues in town. Artists, activists, and cultural leaders explored the different ways entertainment and culture could help shape a sustainable future.
The Entertainment + Culture Pavilion’s (E+C Pavilion) journey to Bangkok had deeper roots. It started with a simple notion: the struggle around climate change didn’t need to be an empirical and intellectual discussion about data and policy but cried out for the emotive power of stories, the unifying strength of music, and the imaginative spark of art. To find where creativity might matter, it developed the E+C Pavilion at COP28. This became a lively crossroad space where over a hundred events with artists from sixty different countries took place, reaching out to 22 million.
From COP28 to Bangkok: A Global Movement Takes Root
Energetic in every way, the Entertainment + Culture Pavilion at COP28 in Dubai opened to symbolize the global hunger for creative solutions to the climate crisis. Over 100 programming events representing 60 countries provided a kaleidoscope of artistic viewpoints: from serious films to dynamic musical shows, not just driving awareness but exciting the world.
Behind the literal lights of the stage, a figurative movement emerged. Artists, activists, and policymakers from divergent backgrounds ignited in a common cause. Workshops allowed for co-creation and opened up new cross-disciplinary ideas on how storytelling and artistic expression could underpin new approaches to climate-impact communication and action. The E+C Pavilion seeded cross-sector partnerships and cracked open silos, laying the groundwork for a new conceptualization of environmental concerns.
This collaborative spirit wasn’t bound to Dubai. Realizing the need for regional presence, the Entertainment + Culture Pavilion team paved the way to Southeast Asia. The vibrant cultural heart of Bangkok served as the stage to elevate Southeast Asian voices and their perspectives on climate action.
Bangkok 1899
Bridging the Gap: Entertainment + Culture Pavilion in the Spotlight in Bangkok
The journey to Bangkok for the E+C Pavilion was not a straight shot. Before captivating audiences in Southeast Asia, it made its presence felt at the SB60 intersessional negotiations of the UN Climate Change Conference in Bonn. This strategic intervention engaged policymakers and cultural organizations at a critical moment to guarantee cultural voices were included in high-level climate debates. Riding that wave, the E+C Pavilion docked in Bangkok, Thailand, in June 2024. In the throes of the bustling city, a vivid two-day program unfolded in Bangkok 1899—a historical, cultural, and civic forum. The symbolic location demonstrated how cultural heritage can help us link traditions with innovation in the fight against climate change.
The very nature of the program proved the Entertainment + Culture Pavilion’s core mission: fostering collaboration and amplifying diverse voices. It featured a dynamic mix of activities bringing together artists, activists, and cultural leaders from across Southeast Asia. The themes ranged from the power of storytelling in education to unlock the potential of creative industries to drive sustainable practices.
Jens Radschinski, from the UNFCC’s Regional Collaboration Center (Asia-Pacific), emphasized the importance of a culture-based approach in the climate movement: “This creative industry, of course, has many other channels to reach people and make them aware of what is happening in the climate and how people can get involved and really change the culture.”
Jens Radschinski, from the UNFCC’s Regional Collaboration Center (Asia-Pacific)
Michael Schmeiser, Deputy Head of Mission at the Austrian Embassy in Bangkok and the Current President of the EUNIC Cluster in Thailand highlighted the initiative’s significance in promoting intercultural dialogue between Europe and Thailand, focusing on urgent and shared issues like the climate crisis. He explained that the conference featured four segments: practical examples from Europe and Thailand, best practices in green initiatives, policy discussions with various ministries, and the development of a toolkit to help event organizers make their events more sustainable. Michael emphasized that the project was tailored to the Thai context and aimed to inspire other countries.
Michael Schmeiser, Deputy Head of Mission at the Austrian Embassy in Bangkok and Member of the EUNIC Cluster in Thailand
A Call to a Sustainable Future
The Bangkok edition of the Entertainment + Culture Pavilion was not a culmination but a springboard. It demonstrated that entertainment and culture are critical to addressing climate change. Using the emotional power of art, music, and film, the initiative transcended dry data and policy discussions, igniting a deeper connection with climate issues. It engaged cross-sector collaboration among artists, activists, policymakers, and cultural leaders, creating a new dialogue on both the problems of climate and the solutions. In this way, the E+C Pavilion’s presence in Dubai, Bonn, and Bangkok exemplified a commitment to a global conversation while ensuring regional voices are heard.
Going forward, the future of the Entertainment + Culture Pavilion is bright. Looking towards COP29 and beyond, it has the potential to continue shaping a sustainable future. Plans include scaling up, designing data-driven strategies, strengthening partnerships, and developing educational programs to prepare the new generation of climate activists. Bangkok’s E+C Pavilion was more than an event. It was a compelling call to arms, urging us to regard climate change through new eyes—where creativity and culture become formidable forces in building a new future for humankind—together as mightier elements of the cause.
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