[Tlc] Press Release fromTraditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, Laos

[Linda McIntosh]

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
14 July 2007

Ethnology Museum Opens in Luang Prabang

The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre has opened its doors in
Luang Prabang, Lao PDR.  A private museum, the Centre features
exhibits of ethnic artefacts, a museum shop, and the Patio Café.  The
Official Opening was held on 5 July, attended by Kongchanh Khammavong,

Chairman of the Lao National Front for Construction, Luang Prabang
Province, William
Booth, Managing Director of Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company, and over
100 business
people, government officials, and tour companies.

As a new tourist and cultural attraction for Luang Prabang, the
response from visitors has been very positive.  "I am going to tell
the Governor about the Centre and he will need to visit soon – this is
a very good initiative," said Mr. Khammavong.  "Many tourists are
interested in learning more about ethnic groups and the exhibits are
very professional and well-lit," said Caroline Gaylard, of Tamarind
Restaurant.

The Centre exhibits ethnic clothing, household objects, religious
artefacts, and handicrafts, with information in English and Lao
languages.  The Museum Shop sells books, photos and exclusive
handicrafts directly from ethnic communities.  The Patio Cafe, run by
L'Elephant Restaurant, serves food and drinks with a view of That
Chomsi.  Guided tours and seminars are available on request.
Thongkhoun Soutthivilay, Co-Director of TAEC explains, "Our objective
is to help locals and visitors learn about the different ethnic groups
of northern Laos.  We also want to provide a new and interesting
learning experience."  Funds from entry fees, donations, and services
go to the running of the Centre and developing activities that
promote cultural diversity and preservation.

The Centre is the brainchild of Tara Gujadhur and Thongkhoun
Soutthivilay, the founders and co-directors.  Tara Gujadhur is an
American who worked as an advisor to the Luang Prabang Tourism Office
for 3 years before starting this project.  Thongkhoun Soutthivilay has
been working at the Luang Prabang National Museum for over 6 years,
and is currently the Collection Manager.  Together they began work on
TAEC over one year ago, finding and renovating a heritage building,
researching and working with ethnic communities, and building a
collection.  They hope that the Centre will be a resource for anyone
wanting to appreciate and preserve the cultural diversity of Laos.

For more information please contact:
Tara Gujadhur and Thongkhoun Soutthivilay, Directors

Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre
Ban Khamyong, Luang Prabang
Tel/Fax:   071 253 364
E-mail:    information at taeclaos.org
Web :   www.taeclaos.org