The Transmission of Local History through Government-Initiated Street Art: A Case of Street Art under the Maha Chesadabodindranusorn Bridge, Nonthaburi Province.

Abstract

This research examines the transmission of local history through street art initiated and implemented by governmental agencies, with a case study of the street art project under the Maha Chesadabodindranusorn Bridge in Nonthaburi Province. The project was carried out under an urban revitalization and development initiative aimed at promoting creative tourism in the domains of history, sports, lifestyle, and health. Street arts were designed and executed by government-commissioned artists, primarily depicting local landmarks, provincial symbols, and cultural practices. The incorporation of three-dimensional painting techniques and augmented reality technology was intended to enhance tourist engagement and attraction. The findings, however, reveal that the street art communicates meaning predominantly at the denotative level, emphasizing straightforward representation to ensure accessibility for tourists. Historical and cultural narratives related to Koh Kret and the Mon community were selectively highlighted, reflecting governmental priorities in shaping the content. Due to the top-down process of implementation, the project differs significantly from other street art tourism sites, lacking dimensions that emphasize the significance of place and community participation. Particularly absent are narratives of the San Lak Mueang Dem community and the local history of Bang Si Muang, where the project is situated. Moreover, the role of artists was constrained to executing predetermined governmental frameworks, limiting opportunities for creative expression rooted in community perspectives. The study underscores critical challenges in utilizing street art as a medium for transmitting local history and identity within a state-driven framework. While the artworks contribute to image-making and tourism promotion, they simultaneously diminish the role of street art as a socio-cultural tool for community voice and dialogue. The research highlights the necessity of incorporating local participation in order to ensure that the transmission of historical narratives through street art is both authentic and sustainable.