Marisa Chearavanont

Marisa Chearavanont’s journey began during the Covid-19 pandemic, when she founded the Chef Cares project to provide meals for frontline workers. The initiative later evolved into the Chef Cares Foundation, which offers children under the Department of Juvenile Observation and Protection, as well as disadvantaged youth, the opportunity to start anew by learning culinary skills from professional chefs.

At the same time, Marisa has continued to nurture her love of art. She opened the art space, Bangkok Kunsthalle, which is housed in a restored historic building that once served as the Thai Wattana Panich Press. The gallery showcases works by both Thai and international artists and serves as a creative hub.

She is also behind Khao Yai Art Forest, an institution located near the Khao Yai National Park that aims to create a healing experience blending art and nature. It also runs an artist-in-residence programme that allows artists to engage with nature while developing their work.

Whether through food or art, Marisa shares one core purpose — to promote learning among the youth and carry cultural heritage forward to a new generation on a wider scale.