It’s been a month of wandering and ruminating over the past year in Myanmar and I’m finally back on my blog game to keep the world posted on what’s happening with the arts in Yangon and beyond. At least, I do my very best. Most significantly, two new spaces devoted to art and/or creative thinking have popped up in Yangon.

Open Art Space, along with Theatre of the Distrubed, have launched an exhibit space near Myanyigone Junction  “supporting experimental artistic practices in contemporary visual, sound, literary, media, theatre, and performance practices.” Their opening event featured a number of household name artists, including Aung Myint, Sann Minn, San Oo, Nyan Lin Htet (founder), Ma Ei, Thaiddhi, DJ Kavas, and Moon Thu Eain. Expect much more of this experimental space, especially since it’s founder bridges the gap between contemporary art and experimental theatre.

Myanmar Deitta is Yangon’s newest outpost for documentary photographers and filmmakers. Included in the big, new warehouse style space near 8 Mile is a small library, exhibition space, and room for workshops, symposiums, and small collaborative exhibitions. This crew goes a bit beyond Yangon Film School with a non-profit space and plans for big projects. What they are not doing is awarding certification. No matter. What artists/documentarians always want and need is more exposure and experience and Deitta will give it to them.

Outside Yangon in Taunnggyi, Shan State, Yoma Art Space has opened its doors and we’re waiting for more photo posts from them and their residencies, exhibitions, and talks. Not be forgotten in Mandalay is the Mandalay Contemporary Art Center, which is alive and well with programs and photos. Check out their Facebook page here.

The map extends and artists return to their hometowns to complete projects, or bring attention to parts of Myanmar never before mentioned in the international media. Expect to see more environmentally conscience work, focused on the changing landscapes and criticism of the newest dam projects. Daily news in Myanmar is nothing short of manic, with a new addition to investment every single day. We only hope we can keep up. As long as the artists continue to do their thing, we can continue to report back.