A new Thai Arts and Cultural Centre opened its door for the 1st time in the history of Cumbria in Penrith. The Chairman of the Eden District Council, Councillor Keith Morgan was the chief guest of the opening ceremony to be held at the Centre’s premises in Castle Gate, Poet’s Walk, Penrith on 17th December at 1:00 pm.
The Chair of Thai Arts and Cultural Centre, Ms. Phakhawan Gibson who is instrumental in setting up the Centre said, “I would like to contribute more to my chosen place of living: England and Cumbria, to promote Arts and Thai Culture, to bring Thai community members together with other cultures, to learn and share skills through training and volunteering with the local community, businesses, Social Enterprises and education settings.
For this opportunity to take place, we would like to learn skills and local knowledge for our development, and share Thai indigenous skills, Arts and Culture with members of all communities in Eden and Cumbria.”
Thai Arts and Culture will work with other organizations, and hoping to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and information for community exchange visit programmes for people from all walks of life, University, School and College students and young people from our communities in Cumbria and Thailand.
Sardar Aftab Khan, Development Officer AWAZ Cumbria an organization that support black and Ethnic Minority Communities and Organization across Cumbria has welcomed the initiative from the members of Thai Community and said, "minority ethnic communities across Cumbria are keen to promote and make their cultural heritage a key part of Cumbrian Heritage. Thailand is a favorite destination for tourism, along with its arts, music and dance. The members of Thai community in Cumbria are keen to share Thai Arts and Culture with the local communities’ in Eden and Cumbria, and they are beginning this journey on 17th December by opening Thai Arts and Cultural Centre in Penrith.”