Projects

In 2006, Friends of the Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan commissioned a study to report on the development of a new cultural facility for Textile Arts in Bhutan. The report outlined the mission of the Royal Textile Academy, the components for the new headquarters and future programming and administration. The report has served as a road map for the development of the Royal Textile Academy.

Design and Development

In 2006 and 2007, Friends of the Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan supported the initial design development of the Academy Headquarters by involving real estate development professionals to consult on the project. FRTAB funded, through a grant, the architectural design of the Academy. Ongoing support through grants will fund the design of Bhutanese architectural features in the project and coordinate the construction management process. (Left - Design for the new headquarters)

For more about the construction project see the Royal Textile Academy website.

Acquisitions

In 2006 and 2007, in collaboration with experts from the Textile Museum in Bhutan and the RTA, FRTAB supported acquisitions of significant textiles to add to the collections of the RTA. (Left - Embroidered silk hat worn by Kings)

Scholarships: Training and Education

During 2008 FRTAB funded a collaborative internship between the RTA and the Textile Museum in Washington D.C. For a six month period, Dorji Wangchuk, an intern from Bhutan, trained in conservation and exhibition management in Washington D.C. Visits to other museums, conservation centers, and cultural institutions were a part of the intern's study. (Left - Dorji Wangchuk at the Textile Museum, Washington, D.C.)

Events

In February 2008, FRTAB supported the RTA’s “Textile Week” workshop entitled The Art of Weaving. The seminar featured scholars from around the world to lecture on Bhutanese textiles. Lectures demonstrated the significance of textiles to Bhutanese cultural heritage from an historical, social and religious perspective. Attendees participated in hands-on sessions including fiber processing, dyeing and weaving. The RTA exhibited some significant textiles from its collections during the week. The program culminated in a fashion show of traditional and contemporary textiles. (Right - Demonstration at the Textile Festival, 2006.)