Khon Kaen University Library and its Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts co-hosted an academic seminar on June 24, 2025, focused on the preservation and inspiration of Isan folk music. Titled “Isan Folk Music: Preserving the Artistic Heritage,” the event aimed to address the challenges and opportunities of safeguarding this significant cultural legacy in an era of digital transformation.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Supat Sinawat, Director of the University Library, highlighted the institution’s commitment to lifelong learning and cultural preservation. “The library aims to be a center for collecting, analyzing, synthesizing, and transmitting knowledge of Isan art and culture,” he stated. He announced plans for an “Isan Intellectual Repository” designed to pass this valuable heritage on to younger generations and the wider community.
The seminar featured a distinguished panel of experts, including Dr. Athit Krachangsri, a specialist in music and performance; Asst. Prof. Dr. Homhuan Buarapha, an authority on arts and culture; and Prof. Dr. Chalermsak Pikulsri from the musicology program. The discussion explored four key dimensions: the transmission of knowledge from master artists to new performers, the role of folk music in reflecting community identity, the perspective of younger generations on traditional music, and the university’s role in driving cultural preservation through digital means. The session also included a musical demonstration by Dr. Athit Krachangsri and his team.
In conjunction with the seminar, the university library is holding a month-long “Phygital” exhibition throughout June 2025. This interactive exhibit combines physical and digital elements to offer an in-depth look at Isan musical instruments, from their construction to their use. It features live demonstrations and showcases how digital technology can be applied to both preserve and create contemporary musical works.
Organizers noted that the event served not only as a platform for exchanging knowledge but also as a catalyst for sparking new ideas and fostering collaboration to ensure the sustainable future of Isan’s rich musical heritage.
