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Abstract
This research aims to 1. study the Wat Sommanat Community participation in
managing arts and cultural knowledge and 2. recommend guidelines for promoting
greater community participation in managing arts and cultural knowledge by gathering
and analyzing information from the people involved, local art and cultural sources. In-
depth interview were conducted among four groups of people: representatives of the
community, adults in thecommunity, youths and others outside the community.
The results showed that the Wat Sommanat Community has diverse and
remarkable cultural resources including a rich artistic and religious heritage handed
down from past to present. The researcher found that there are four places which play
an important role in managing the arts and cultural knowledge: 1. Wat Sommanat 2.
SundayDhammaCenter 3.Wat Sommanat School and 4.Wat Sommanat YouthCenter.
Additionally, this study also found that the community is involved in knowledge
management through teaching, training and conducting activities that encourage and
strengthen the arts and culture. Peoplewithin the community also share and use cultural
resources together. All of the learning centers have adopted the practice of cultural
management, and community leaders play an important role in planning, setting up
activities, and transmitting cultural knowledge to other communities. However, the
results showed that the learning centers have faced some barriers to effective and
efficient operation in terms of budget, areamanagement andpublic relations.
The study offers guidelines for promoting community participation in arts and
cultural knowledgemanagement. lt is suggested that the community study and conduct
research on knowledge about arts and cultural resources in their area and share that
knowledge with others. That knowledge can be used to promote and develop the arts
and culture in various forms. The community members should also participate more in
planning, implementing strategies, and considering priorities for the management of
their cultural resources.
