The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre is a private, non-profit institution located in a historic building in Luang Prabang, Laos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The vision of the Centre is to become a centre for learning and exchange on the ethnology and artisanal heritage of Laos that promotes appreciation for the cultures and skills of Laos’ peoples, stimulates investment and preservation of their crafts, and supports their sustainable livelihood development.

Its mission is to facilitate pride and investment in Laos’ ethnic diversity and cultural resources by helping visitors and locals to understand and value the changing lifestyles of Laos’ many ethnic groups, and providing an outlet for the development and selling of their handicrafts.

As an advocate for the survival and transmission of the cultural heritage of Laos and a resource for the development of the traditional arts, the Centre’s primary activities are two-fold: a dynamic and insightful exhibition space organised by ethnic groups, and a handicrafts store directly linked with artisan communities. Future plans include temporary exhibits, workshops with visiting artisans, handicraft design development, and specialised tours and study trips. Attached to the Centre is Le Patio Café, run by L’Elephant Restaurant, serving food and drinks with a view of Phousi hill.

The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre is the first exhibition space in Luang Prabang dedicated to the collection, preservation, interpretation and presentation of the traditional arts and lifestyles of Laos. Luang Prabang, a provincial town of 60,000 residents, is famed for its scenic location on a peninsula between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, 60+ Buddhist temples, French colonial architecture, royal Lao history, and relaxed, small-town atmosphere. Luang Prabang is the most popular tourism destination in Laos, and the Centre will serve as an educational tool for both local residents and tourists.

The Centre has a permanent exhibition focusing on different cultural aspects of seven ethnic groups - Akha (The Diversity of an Ethnic Group), Hmong (Hmong New Year Celebrations), Khmu (Baskets and Back Strap Looms), Mien Yao (The Art of Embroidery), Mun Yao (Lanten, Taoist Religious Ceremonies), Tai Dam (Handmade Bedding Materials) and Tai Lue (Cotton Clouds to Cloth).

Longer-term plans include a small resource centre, with films/DVDs, books, photographs, and articles, which can be viewed on computers with internet research capabilities. The Centre also has a small museum shop to support village handicraft producers.

As its overall mission is educational, the Centre also aims to raise awareness among Lao communities and youth about Lao ethnic peoples and arts. This is done by offering free admission to any Lao citizen, inviting school groups to visit the Centre, linking with local libraries and cultural centres and inviting visits by government offices, local villages, tourism businesses and guides, and craft sellers.

Mr Houmphan Rattanavong, former Director of the Institute of Cultural Research (ICR), and Bounkhong Khutthao, Deputy Director of the Luang Prabang Provincial Service of Information and Culture, have been appointed as advisers to the Centre.

The team of people setting up the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre are dedicated, skilled and diverse in their backgrounds. They have experience in textiles, curating, museum cataloguing and preservation, and tourism development. They are both Lao and foreign citizens, and while committed to the conservation of Laos’ cultural and artistic heritage, believe that culture is living and evolving, thus are forward-thinking in their approach. They are open to exploring collaborations with like-minded partners.