Capitalsiam and consumerism have long been blamed for destroying the human spirit, pushing people into a cycle of extravagance and debt and generally causing a host of socio-economic problems. Concerned at this state of affairs, Krongsak Chulamorkodt, an independent architect, artist and secretary of the Saansaeng Arun Foundation, spent more than five years exploring ways to take us away from our focus on money and possessions and turn our minds to more spiritual matters.

He eventually decided on an art centre called The Mother’s Spiritual Museum, the first phase of which is scheduled to open in Nakhon Pathom in 2018 on land donated by Dr Athit Urairat, president of Rangsit University

“The spirit in art is the same as spirit in motherhood, that is the power of spirit and creativity to develop new life. It is exquisite, delicate and profound,” Krongsak says.

His project has gained overwhelming support. Thailand’s leading orchid expert, Prof Rapee Sagarik, is serving as chairman of t The Mother’s Spiritual Museum Foundation, and the directors include such well-known figures as former Finance Minister Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala, National Artist (Visual Arts) Theeraphon Niyom, Buddhist activist Phra Paisal Visalo, abbot of Wat Pah Sukato, Vichai Phoktavi, Jesuit priest and founder of the Santiwana retreat centre in Bangkok, SEA Write Award-winning poet and national artist Naowarat Pongpaiboon, alternative educator Ratchanee Thongchai, social and literary critic Prof Cholthira Satyawadhna, Sangkom Thongmee, the director of Sirindhorn Art Centre, Sumitra Channgao and Kraikiti Tipkanok, songwriter and producer at Voyage of Emotions

Kraikiti, who is the foundation’s managing director, tells XP that the foundation is moving the project forward by giving Thais a foretaste of what the museum will offer. To this end, it is holding an exhibition at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre from tomorrow through August 14 that features the first ever large-scale sculpture garden in Thailand.

The event, he adds, aims to encourage the public to participate in the museum project through fund-raising activities. The foundation estimates more than Bt500 million will be needed to construct the whole project.

The activities get underway tomorrow at 1pm with musical performances led by artists from the Silapatorn Group, artists and singer Mongkol Utok of songs-for-life band Caravan, Pakin “Puech” Isarakul, of “The Voice Thailand”, Sopit Phuttarak and Nawin Intarasorn.

That’s followed by a panel discussion titled “The Importance of Sculpture Gardens for the Public” led by National Artists Nontiwat Chantanapalin (Fine Art), Vichai Sithiratn (Sculpture), and Vichok Mookdamanee (Mixed media art).

Professor Rapee will introduce the project before handing over to Dr Athit for the grand opening of the exhibition at 6.30pm.

The exhibition is spread over various spaces at the BACC, with the giant sculpture garden on the first floor home to more than 20 sculptures on the theme of mother by leading Thai artists.

“Dialogue with Mother Nature 2”, the latest collection of pencil drawings by Krongsak himself can be seen on the third and fourth floors.

Sangkom Thongmee, director of the Sirindhorn Art Centre, Sarawooth “Meaw” Duangchampa and a group of artists from Art for Cancer will host DIY workshops.

“The museum will be designed as a spacious place with an ambience inspired by nature,” Krongsak says.

“We want it to serve as a door of inspiration for all.”

This one’s for mum

– The “Mother’s Spiritual Museum” exhibition is being held on floor 1, 3 and 4 of the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre from tomorrow through August 14.

– Admission is free.

– For more information, call (02) 237 0080 extensions 114, 115, email: motherspiritualmuseum@gmail.com or click on Facebook.com/motherspiritualmuseum.