The Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation
The Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) is the only program in the U.S. Government that provides direct small grant support to heritage preservation in less-developed countries.
The program was established by the U.S. Congress in 2001 with $1 million. To date, the Ambassador's Fund has supported 379 projects worldwide, totaling $9.5 million. Funded projects include technical support for the restoration of historic buildings; assessment and conservation of museum collections; archaeological site preservation; documentation to save threatened traditional crafts; improved storage conditions for archives and manuscripts; recording oral history; and documentation of indigenous languages.
The following are projects supported by the AFCP in Laos:
2009: Preservation of Palm Leaf Manuscripts, National Library, Part II
This project will allow the National Library to expand the palm leaf manuscript preservation training to two additional centers in Luang Prabang province and Vientiane municipality. As with the 2008 project, monks and laypeople at both centers will receive technical training on preservation methods and the use of the Tham script. These manuscripts represent one of the largest collection of cultural heritage in Southeast Asia. The project will be completed in 2010. Award: $10,000
2009: Preservation and Conservation of Lao National Museum Collection, Luang Prabang
The project at the National Museum will begin an inventory of the artifacts and materials, train the staff in modern conservation techniques, conduct needed repairs to the building, fix broken windows and doors, and install a security camera system to help protect this valuable collection. The conservation and protection of the National Museum in Luang Prabang is one of eight projects at World Heritage Sites to receive financial support from the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) in 2009. Award: $ 11,600
2008: Preservation of Palm Leaf Manuscripts, National Library
This project will allow the National Library to expand the palm leaf manuscript preservation training to two centers in Savannakhet and Champassak provinces. Monks and laypeople at both centers will receive technical training on preservation methods and the use of the Tham script. These manuscripts represent one of the largest collection of cultural heritage in Southeast Asia. The project will be completed in 2009. Award: $9,000
2008: Documentation of Rituals, TAEC
To document the religious rituals of the Iu Mien and Kim Mun ethnic minorities of northern Laos, to recognize the importance that Taoist and shamanistic rituals play in their identity, and to promote appreciation and preservation of these cultural resources for future generations. This project will allow the Traditional Arts and Enthnology Centre (TAEC)to research and document the religious and cultural traditions of the Lanten (Iu Mien) and Yao (Kim Mun) ethnic minority groups. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2010. Award: $30,126
2007: Preservation of Lao National Museum Collection
To create secure storage for the collection, improved conservation facilities, and a department for documenting the artifacts. Museum staff members prepared the rooms allocated for storage; provided shelving and materials to protect artifacts awaiting conservation, inventory or display; provided equipment and facilities to properly analyze and clean artifacts; and set up a documentation department to catalogue and inventory the collection. Museum staff also received training on the use of the new equipment and international inventory standards. The Lao National Museum, ideally situated in the centre of the city, is of great cultural and historical significance and has the potential to attract significant numbers of tourists from around the world. Award: $ 26,821
2005: Ho Phra Keo Museum
To support the inventory and improved display of the museum's artifacts. Interpretive panels will be added to the displays and an interactive digital catalogue will be created. Ho Phra Keo was originally built in 1565 and restored in 1936; its design was inspired by Buddhist temples, but the building never functioned as such. The Museum is entirely devoted to Buddhist religious art and essential regional artifacts spanning the 7th to 19th century. It is very popular, but many items are not displayed or preserved properly. Award: $22,000
2004: Wat Sisaket Museum: Physical and Digital Conservation and Cultural Heritage Outreach
To support on-site, hands-on conservation training workshops in theory and practice beginning with wall paintings and masonry repair of the museum building. Vat Sisaket, was built by King Chao Anouvong between 1819-1824 as a symbolic gesture of his independence from Bangkok. It was the only temple that survived the 1828-29 sack of Vientiane by the Siamese. Award: $16,000
2003: Creation of the Huaphan Menhirs Archeological Park
Preservation and Presentation of Laos’ Stonehedge A second year of funding which builds on 2001’s efforts to inventory, survey, map, archive and preserve the menhirs of Hua Phan Province. This year's grant funds additional preservation, produces educational material for tourists and locals, provides interpretation signs and displays for the trails and main road to the sites. Award: $12,400
2001: A Stonehedge in Laos: Mapping, Archiving, Exhibiting
The project focuses on 10th and 11th century standing stones or menhirs which are under threat from a U.S. funded road development project in the Huaphan region of Laos. Funds were used to inventory and survey the Ban Peun Menhir Site, assess the impact of the road construction, and create a site management plan. Award: $10,000
U.S. - Lao Relations 2009
Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation
