Gridthaya Gaweewong Wins CCS Bard’s Audrey Irmas Award for Curatorial Excellence
Gridthiya Gaweewong, the artistic director of the Jim Thompson Art Center in Bangkok and a prominent figure in the art world, has been named the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Audrey Irmas Award for Curatorial Excellence by the Center for Curatorial Studies, Bard College (CCS Bard) in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York. This award, established in 1998, is presented annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of exhibition-making through their innovative thinking and bold vision. Gaweewong’s remarkable achievements in the art world have earned her this esteemed recognition along with a $25,000 prize.
A Trailblazer in the Art World
Gaweewong’s impressive career includes serving as a guest curator at the MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum in Chiang Mai, as well as being an independent curator known for her groundbreaking work. She co-directed the Thailand Biennale in Chiang Rai in 2023 alongside Rirkrit Tiravanija, showcasing her ability to push boundaries and challenge traditional curatorial norms. Additionally, she co-founded Project 304, an alternative art space in Bangkok, which operated from 1996 to 2003, highlighting her commitment to fostering innovative artistic practices.
A Journey of Resilience and Dedication
Before embarking on her successful curatorial career, Gaweewong worked as an English teacher and librarian in a refugee camp in Thailand, demonstrating her dedication to supporting marginalized communities through art and education. Her journey from a humble beginning to receiving international acclaim showcases her resilience and passion for creating meaningful cultural experiences that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Recognizing Excellence in the Field
In addition to honoring Gaweewong with the Audrey Irmas Award, CCS Bard also announced Amber Esseiva, a distinguished 2015 graduate of the curatorial program, as the recipient of the CCS Bard Alumni Award. This award, which includes a $10,000 prize, acknowledges Esseiva’s outstanding contributions to the art world as the acting senior curator at the Institute for Contemporary Art at Virginia Commonwealth University. Her commitment to innovation and education in the field of curation has earned her this well-deserved recognition.
Gaweewong and Esseiva will be celebrated at CCS Bard’s spring 2025 gala celebration and dinner on April 7, 2025, at The Lighthouse at Pier 61 in New York City. This event will bring together prominent figures in the art world to honor these exceptional curators and their invaluable contributions to the field of exhibition-making.
