Bhutan | Choki Traditional Art School, Fontana Foundation
A School for Promoting Traditional Bhutanese Art
Ustinov Foundation projects
About the project
Goal
Career Perspectives for Youth and Young Adults.
- Establishment of a craft school for traditional Bhutanese art to create learning opportunities for economically disadvantaged children.
- Development of institutional connections within and outside the country for improved knowledge and skills exchange.
The project
Crafting Skills for a Livable Future.
- In 1999, the Choki Traditional Art School (CTAS) was established as the only school for traditional Bhutanese art. It offers economically disadvantaged youth the opportunity to pursue multi-year studies in traditional arts, thereby opening up career prospects.
- Based on their skills and special interests, students can learn the crafts of woodcarving, embroidery, tailoring, and weaving.
- The school currently provides free tuition, accommodation, and meals for 145 learners, who are supported by 18 staff members.
Success
Better Future Prospects for Entire Families.
- The school is proud of its students' achievements and their success in the labor market with traditional Bhutanese art.
- For example, Nim Dorji graduated from the school in 2007 as part of the third cohort and specialized in Thangka painting.
- After seven years of training at the Choki Traditional Art School, he now works in a craft business owned by two former students of the school. With a total of ten employees, they export commissioned art beyond the national borders.
- Thanks to his education, he is able to pass on the rich Bhutanese art and crafts history and also support his parents, siblings, and his entire village.
Learn more now about the many projects we have been able to realize in the name of Sir Peter Ustinov with the help of numerous supporters.