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The Untold Story: Unspoken Local Ghosts Exhibition – A Catalyst for Creative and Economic Growth

by mirandah

Thailand’s Creative Economy Agency (CEA) has launched an innovative exhibition titled “The Untold Story: Unspoken Local Ghosts” at TCDC Bangkok, located in the Central Post Office Building. Running until 22nd November 2024, this exhibition is open to the public and aims to inspire creators to use Thailand’s rich tradition of ghost stories and folklore as a foundation for creating new, economically beneficial copyrighted works.

Exhibition Highlights

  1. Zone 1: Awakening Local Ghost Legends
    • This section features lesser-known Thai ghosts such as Phi Lang Kluang and Phi Khamot. Visitors can listen to ghost stories and sketch their interpretations, bringing these ancient tales to life through modern creativity. This process encourages artists to develop unique, copyrightable content inspired by traditional folklore.
  2. Zone 2: Hello to New Ghosts
    • Traditional ghosts are reimagined with a contemporary twist, showcasing over 30 ghost illustrations by emerging Thai artists. This zone highlights the potential for these reimagined characters to become part of new creative works, such as books, films, and merchandise, which can be protected by copyright and generate significant economic value.
  3. Zone 3: Preparing for Debut
    • This area explores the habitats of Thai local spirits. Visitors can contribute to a map of Thailand, marking ghost names and locations, thus creating a collaborative and interactive experience. This collective effort can lead to the development of new intellectual properties based on these local legends.

Economic Potential of Copyrighted Works

The exhibition underscores the economic potential of using traditional folklore as a basis for new creative works. According to Licensing International’s 2024 report, global sales revenue generated by licensed merchandise and services grew to $356.5 billion in 2023, a 4.59% increase over the previous year. Key sectors include:

  • Entertainment/Characters: $147.6 billion (41.4% share)
  • Corporate Brands: $90.3 billion (25.3% share)
  • Sports: $39.5 billion (11.1% share)

Top-performing categories in 2023 included Music (+16.4%), Fashion (+7.5%), and Sports (+5.6%). The U.S. and Canada accounted for 59% of worldwide consumption of licensed goods and services, with $210.3 billion.

Encouraging Creative Industries

By showcasing the rich tapestry of Thai ghost stories and encouraging their reinterpretation, the “The Untold Story: Unspoken Local Ghosts” exhibition aims to stimulate the creative economy. Artists and creators are invited to draw inspiration from these tales, create new works that can be copyrighted and monetized. This not only preserves cultural heritage but also opens up new avenues for economic growth.

The exhibition sets a positive example for how cultural heritage can be leveraged to create new intellectual properties, driving both creative and economic development. By balancing the celebration of folklore with the creation of new, copyright-protected works, the exhibition highlights the significant economic benefits that can arise from such initiatives.