The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre is an independent cultural organisation. It is not a government museum, and receives no regular funding. The Centre began with seed money from grants and private investors, and keeps its doors open today through the sale of entry tickets and proceeds from the TAEC Museum Shop and TAEC Boutique.
There are many ways in which you can share and support our work.
TAEC is lucky to have a dedicated team of local staff; however, there are certain areas in which we need the assistance of skilled volunteers. Currently, we would like to hear from people interested to support our work in: e-commerce, library sciences, photo cataloguing, website design, SEO, graphic design, product design and merchandising, accounting and financial management, exhibition design, and collections care. Please contact us if you would like to discuss volunteering here in Luang Prabang or remotely from your home.
TAEC stocks authentic handicrafts made by ethnic minority artisans using traditional skills and materials. More contemporary TAEC products use traditional handicraft techniques with modern designs. Operating according to fair-trade principles, TAEC shops (and online) support over 600 artisans in rural villages across Laos. 50% of the product price supports ethnic minority artisans and 50% supports museum operations. Your purchase at TAEC directly contributes to sustainable livelihoods for rural ethnic minority women and men in Laos. DHL discounted express shipping is available worldwide. SHOP NOW >
Your review on websites such as Google Maps, TripAdvisor, or on our Facebook page encourages other people to visit TAEC – and every ticket sold contributes directly to our work. If you have a website or blog, you could add a link to our site, Facebook, or Instagram! If we weren’t listed in your guidebook (and even if we were) you can also write to them to tell them how important it is for travellers to learn about the country’s cultures at TAEC.
TAEC has a wish list of office equipment and museum materials that would make a huge difference to the quality and efficiency of our work. For example, we would love to have a large format colour laser printer, a new laptop, and a television for screening videos in the exhibitions. We always need archival storage materials such as Tyvek, acid-free tissue, foam-core, foam padding and archival boxes. Please contact us if you would like to discuss a donation of equipment or recommend us to potential sponsors and donors.
Do you work for a company with a corporate responsibility plan? Do you know someone who works for a philanthropic foundation? We can use your help in raising our profile to corporate and philanthropic supporters worldwide.
As you probably guessed, most of all – we need money!
In order to undertake new projects, such as educational programs for local children, artefact conservation, or new exhibitions, the Centre must seek funding and donations. You can choose to nominate how your donation is used, if you wish. If you are US-based, it is possible to make a tax-exempt donation through our umbrella 501(c)(3) status organisation, the Luang Prabang Fund for Culture and Conservation.