Prem International School in Chiang Mai: Creativity Oscar for ARThailand!

Prem International School in Chiang Mai: Creativity Oscar for ARThailand!

The Prem International School in Chiang Mai has reason to be happy! Their artist residency program, ARThailand, was nominated for the prestigious Tes Awards for International Schools 2025 in the Teaching Initiative of the Year category. Considered the “Oscars of Education,” this award recognizes schools that excel through creativity and excellence. Loud Chiang Mai Citylife The ARThailand program strengthens collaboration between artists, thinkers, students and teachers. This creates an environment that not only invites inspiration, but also promotes interdisciplinary learning.

The concept is based on the IB philosophy, which focuses on curiosity, research and global thinking. Alex Soulsby, the school's creative director, highlights that the recognition of the Tes Awards shows the importance of preparing young people for the challenges of a complex, AI-driven future. The visitors to the program, such as the concert pianist Myriam Ayari and the philosopher Dr. Skye Cleary, bring valuable perspectives and experiences that help students find their place in an interconnected world.

Creativity as a cornerstone of education

At Prem International School, creativity is the key to education. The ARThailand program reflects this belief by bringing art and learning together. Many studies show that artistic residencies, similar to ARThailand, can support creative development and promote international success. A study showed that 85% of participants increased their artistic productivity after a residency, which impressively documents the positive effects of such programs.

Artistic residencies offer an excellent opportunity for concentrated work and exchange in a creative environment. These residencies vary in duration and specialization, from short-term programs that provide intense creative bursts to long-term residencies that support comprehensive research projects. A look at the Promote creativity through residencies shows how versatile these formats can be and what advantages they offer for artists and schools.

Art as a social task

Art not only has an aesthetic value, but also a social dimension. This opinion also supports that Kubo, which points out that art should face the challenges of the present and try out new approaches. It is important that art finds a space in society that helps active citizens and strengthens democratic values. Access to art must be diverse in order to do justice to diversity and current challenges.

The developments surrounding the ARThailand program and similar initiatives show that art-based education at schools like Prem International School not only promotes creativity in students, but also makes an important contribution to society. A commitment to creative and interdisciplinary approaches ensures that the next generation is well prepared for the complex challenges of the future.