Founded on an ethos of friendship, and emerging amidst a regional constellation of artists’ initiatives and independent spaces, the series of festivals known as Chiang Mai Social Installation staged contemporary art within everyday city life. From temples and cemeteries to libraries, the town square, and even a dental clinic, these artist-led interventions present a self-funded, anarchic alternative to Southeast Asia’s subsequently expanding biennial culture while also marking the emergence of a wider contemporary moment. The first comprehensive publication on these projects, this book presents extensive photographic documentation alongside a multivocal account by its participants. David Teh’s main essay offers detailed contextualisation and analysis, and is complemented by contributions from Patrick D. Flores, May Adadol Ingawanij, Rosalind C. Morris and other writers and participating artists. [publisher's note]