Masks have symbolic features that can be comprehensive and at the same time represent the unique individual cultures. Masks signify the changes that reflect the people's innermost hopes of creating the world they dream of. Therefore, masks can one's mind that is usually restrained by the society, and express the hopes of future and happiness.
free Through masks, we can disregard the difference of religion, nationality, skin colors, and regional characteristics to solely focus on the unity of the human race. As a result, masks can be the symbol of peace, and more importantly, all humans can be equal when they wear masks.
International Mask Arts & Culture Organization (IMACO) is co-hosting the upcoming IMACO International Conference with the Ministry of Culture, Thailand in November with the theme, "The World Map of Masks & Symbols".

I hope to suggest and discuss two matters in regards to the upcoming conference. First, the Kingdom of Thailand has various mask cultures such as Khon, the most stylized form of Thai dance, which has the history that goes back to thousands of years, and also the Pitakhon festival that expresses the inner happiness. These mask cultures of Thailand well describe the characteristics of Thailand. Thus hosting the Conference in Thailand would be a great opportunity to share the mask cultures of Thailand with people from all over the world. In addition, we hope to build a strong foundation to create the world map of masks and symbols. Mask is a symbol of culture, and it can also be a character. If you can understand the masks of a certain culture, you can also understand the people in that culture. Mask is a face of each culture. Through understanding that there are various masks in different countries and regions, we can identify and value the diversity of culture, which is also what UNESCO aims for.

IMACO secured about 40 member countries, and 20 countries among them will participate in the conference. There will also be a forum about the Arts & Culture policy of each country, which aims to secure the value of human culture. I believe that the conference will provide an opportunity for you to better understand and expand your interest and passion in the masks and various cultures.