BHUTANESE LOCAL NGOs
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Organisations
The initiatives for promotion and preservation of the country's cultural heritage,
including the arts, are predominantly government driven or government aided. The
Royal Government has continued the patronage to traditional crafts and
simultaneously taken steps to set up various institutions to keep the traditions alive.
Handicrafts Development Corporation
The National Commission for Cultural Affairs
National Technical Training Authority
National Institute for Zorig Chusum (Traditional Arts and Crafts)
National Women's Association of Bhutan
Tarayana Foundation
The National Commission for Cultural Affairs
All cultural activities, including the fine arts and crafts, fall under the National
Commission.
back
National Technical Training Authority
The Technical Training Authority was created in 1999 to look after the quality of
vocational training. The Institute for Zorig Chusum falls under it. With the aim of
promoting quality thangkha painting in Bhutan it has instituted the Quality Seal for
thangkha paintings.
back
National Institute for Zorig Chusum (Traditional Arts and Crafts)
The art taught today, in Bhutan, was introduced by the Great Treasure Discoverer,
Terton Pema Lingpa, in the fifteenth century. These traditional crafts represent
hundreds of years of knowledge and ability that has passed down the generations.
Bhutan's unique artistic tradition has played a vital role in moulding its distinct cultural
heritage. This tradition is best reflected in the 'Zorig Chusum' or Thirteen Crafts.
Realising that this invaluable heritage could only be protected and that the arts of
Bhutan could only be promoted if strong and adequate patronage existed, the
government made arrangements for the new artists to be trained at the National
Institute for Zorig Chusum (Traditional Arts and Crafts). This was established in 1971.
At present, the institute is undergoing renovation and expansion.
The Institute for Zorig Chusum falls under the National Technical Training Authority
which was created in 1999 to look after the quality of vocational training. For over 30
years the institute has instructed students in painting, calligraphy, embroidery, wood
carving and sculpture. Due to generous grants from the Netherlands, the curriculum
and facilities have improved. The dying arts of boot-making and slate-carving have
been revived. Metal work, weaving, gold-grinding, and the making of religious drums
are now in the curriculum.
The study is intensive and involves 4-6 years of training. The students board at the
institute's hostel where they receive full room and board, which is financed by the
government.
Due to the increasing demand for quality zorig chusum products, the opportunities
for self-employment for the graduates is high. Instructors and students paint houses,
thangkhas, and temples, and create other culturally significant art objects. They
contribute their skills to the beautification of both public and private buildings.
The Institute has begun identifying products and strategies to promote
self-employment among its graduates. For this a two-year short-term training
programmes in gold powder grinding, mineral pigments grinding, and drum- making
have been introduced. The Institute hopes to support the graduates establish their
own production companies in the above areas.
In addition to the Institute's daily activities, conservation efforts are underway to help
preserve the art treasures of Bhutan. Some students and teachers have been
undergoing training in mural painting conservation.
Crafts: Calligraphy, Painting, Sculpture, Carving (wood & slate), Casting, Leather
Work (religious drum making), Embroidery and Appliqué (needle work, tailoring, &
traditional boot making), Weaving Bamboo Works, Pottery, Gold and Silver Smithy,
Blacksmithy, Masonry.
back
Handicrafts Development Corporation
Markets genuine quality handicraft and textile products.
back
National Women's Association of Bhutan
National Women's Associaton of Bhutan administers a Weaving Project at Khaling,
where women are trained and encouraged to set up their own weaving units.
BACK
The initiatives for promotion and preservation of the country's cultural heritage,
including the arts, are predominantly government driven or government aided. The
Royal Government has continued the patronage to traditional crafts and
simultaneously taken steps to set up various institutions to keep the traditions alive.
Handicrafts Development Corporation
The National Commission for Cultural Affairs
National Technical Training Authority
National Institute for Zorig Chusum (Traditional Arts and Crafts)
National Women's Association of Bhutan
Tarayana Foundation
The National Commission for Cultural Affairs
All cultural activities, including the fine arts and crafts, fall under the National
Commission.
back
National Technical Training Authority
The Technical Training Authority was created in 1999 to look after the quality of
vocational training. The Institute for Zorig Chusum falls under it. With the aim of
promoting quality thangkha painting in Bhutan it has instituted the Quality Seal for
thangkha paintings.
back
National Institute for Zorig Chusum (Traditional Arts and Crafts)
The art taught today, in Bhutan, was introduced by the Great Treasure Discoverer,
Terton Pema Lingpa, in the fifteenth century. These traditional crafts represent
hundreds of years of knowledge and ability that has passed down the generations.
Bhutan's unique artistic tradition has played a vital role in moulding its distinct cultural
heritage. This tradition is best reflected in the 'Zorig Chusum' or Thirteen Crafts.
Realising that this invaluable heritage could only be protected and that the arts of
Bhutan could only be promoted if strong and adequate patronage existed, the
government made arrangements for the new artists to be trained at the National
Institute for Zorig Chusum (Traditional Arts and Crafts). This was established in 1971.
At present, the institute is undergoing renovation and expansion.
The Institute for Zorig Chusum falls under the National Technical Training Authority
which was created in 1999 to look after the quality of vocational training. For over 30
years the institute has instructed students in painting, calligraphy, embroidery, wood
carving and sculpture. Due to generous grants from the Netherlands, the curriculum
and facilities have improved. The dying arts of boot-making and slate-carving have
been revived. Metal work, weaving, gold-grinding, and the making of religious drums
are now in the curriculum.
The study is intensive and involves 4-6 years of training. The students board at the
institute's hostel where they receive full room and board, which is financed by the
government.
Due to the increasing demand for quality zorig chusum products, the opportunities
for self-employment for the graduates is high. Instructors and students paint houses,
thangkhas, and temples, and create other culturally significant art objects. They
contribute their skills to the beautification of both public and private buildings.
The Institute has begun identifying products and strategies to promote
self-employment among its graduates. For this a two-year short-term training
programmes in gold powder grinding, mineral pigments grinding, and drum- making
have been introduced. The Institute hopes to support the graduates establish their
own production companies in the above areas.
In addition to the Institute's daily activities, conservation efforts are underway to help
preserve the art treasures of Bhutan. Some students and teachers have been
undergoing training in mural painting conservation.
Crafts: Calligraphy, Painting, Sculpture, Carving (wood & slate), Casting, Leather
Work (religious drum making), Embroidery and Appliqué (needle work, tailoring, &
traditional boot making), Weaving Bamboo Works, Pottery, Gold and Silver Smithy,
Blacksmithy, Masonry.
back
Handicrafts Development Corporation
Markets genuine quality handicraft and textile products.
back
National Women's Association of Bhutan
National Women's Associaton of Bhutan administers a Weaving Project at Khaling,
where women are trained and encouraged to set up their own weaving units.
BACK
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