The 4A Thai Queer Exchange Program facilitated an engaging collaboration between Perth-based Thai Australian artist Nathan Beard and Thai artist Sun Phittaya Phaefuang. This exchange seamlessly connected both artists with local Thai-run businesses and community spaces.

As part of this initiative, Nathan Beard embarked on the creation of a compelling body of work coinciding with the A Puzzlement at 4A from September 02 to October 15, 2023. Delving into objects from the Chau Chak Wing Museum, Art Gallery of New South Wales, and Powerhouse Museum, Beard also crafted the intriguing piece 'Study for a Museum of Thai in Australia' on the ground floor gallery space—a playful homage to the Museum of Chinese in Australia adjacent to 4A.

Simultaneously, 4A played host to the talented queer Thai artist Sun Phitthaya Phaefuang. The program facilitated meaningful connections by introducing him to fellow artists from Sydney's vibrant vogue and ball community, culminating in the recording of an insightful 4A Talks episode featuring his perspectives and experiences.

The Thai Queer Exchange Program went beyond the artistic realm, featuring a series of community-minded public programs at 4A throughout the exhibition period. These included:

1. Full Moon Party: A queer-focused Thai performance evening featuring Sun Phitthaya Phaefuang, Maggie Tra, and Beau Lai, showcasing music, dance, and performance art.
2. Panel - "What’s next? Squirming under the crosshairs of identity politics": An insightful discussion featuring Nathan Beard, Phitthaya Phaefuang, Talia Smith, and Audrey Newton.
3. Voguing Workshop: Hosted by Sun Phitthaya Phaefuang, a hands-on workshop exploring the art of voguing.
4. "Making Space Making History": A community-based panel discussion exploring the future of Thai Town, involving local business members.

This exchange program not only facilitated artistic exploration but also established a dynamic platform for community engagement and cultural dialogue, thereby reinforcing 4A's core mission of actively discovering and showcasing the rich creative talent within the Asian diaspora.

The Thai Queer Exchange has been commissioned by 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art, assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its arts funding and advisory body, and supported by the Create NSW Arts & Cultural Funding Program and the City of Sydney.