The Office of the University Library, in collaboration with the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Khon Kaen University, organized a significant academic forum titled “Isan Folk Music: Preserving Art and Culture” on Tuesday, 24 June 2025, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the KKU Central Library. The event aimed to inspire and raise awareness about the importance of preserving Isan folk music—a treasured cultural heritage—amid rapid social and technological change in the digital era.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Supach Sienawath, Director of the University Library and chair of the event, opened the forum by emphasizing the library’s role as a learning hub for all. He stated that the library is committed to supporting lifelong learning and has set a goal to become a center for collecting, analyzing, synthesizing, and transmitting Isan knowledge in the form of an Isan Intellectual Repository. This initiative seeks to preserve and share the region’s cultural heritage with younger generations and broader society.
The panel discussion featured distinguished experts from multiple disciplines. Speakers included Dr. Arthit Krachangsee, a specialist in music and performance; Asst. Prof. Dr. Homhuan Buarapha, a cultural arts expert; and Prof. Dr. Chalermsak Pikulsi, an authority in musicology. The discussion addressed four key areas: the transmission of wisdom from master artists to the next generation; the role of folk music in reflecting community identity and way of life; perspectives from the younger generation on Isan folk music; and the university’s role in inspiring and revitalizing cultural heritage in the digital age. The event also included a live performance of traditional Isan music, led by Dr. Arthit Krachangsee and his ensemble.
Throughout June 2025, the KKU Library is also hosting a Phygital Exhibition under the same theme, “Isan Folk Music: Preserving Art and Culture.” The exhibition presents an in-depth exploration of traditional Isan musical instruments, covering the crafting process, usage, live demonstrations, and digital applications for preservation and creativity. By blending physical and digital experiences, the exhibit reflects the evolving nature of heritage conservation in today’s world.
This forum served not only as a platform for knowledge exchange but also as a spark for new ideas and collaboration. It demonstrated Khon Kaen University’s commitment to safeguarding and revitalizing Isan’s musical heritage—ensuring its relevance and sustainability for generations to come.
