Swiss assistance for Textile academy
Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck, while receiving the donation from the chairman, Dr Frederik Paulsen, said that the grant would not only benefit Bhutanese, especially weavers, but also enrich Bhutan’s cultural and economic development. The construction of a textile academy will start later this year and serve as a focal point for both education and a variety of cultural events.
“I’m confident that, with continued support and guidance, we’ll succeed in creating a dynamic institution, which will ensure that the textile arts of Bhutan continue to flourish into the next century,” she said.
The academy is aimed at providing educational programmes, research and exhibitions, aimed at both raising the international profile of Bhutanese textiles and improving the livelihood of the weavers who make them.
Presenting the grant, Dr Paulsen said, “It is the sincere hope of all of us at Ferring that this grant will go some way towards contributing to the future success of the royal textile academy and the future prosperity of Bhutan.”
The Academy will include a new, state-of-the-art museum, a textile weaving academy and a conservation centre. Both marketing and technical assistance will be provided to the weavers of Bhutan.
The royal textile academy’s executive director Rinzin O Dorji said that the donation comes at an opportune time, as it secures funds for the construction of Phase 3.
“This phase includes the construction of the administrative building, which includes commercial space for rent. This will enable the academy to generate income for its operations and sustainability. We expect this phase to be completed by 2013,” she said.
