The National Design and Arts Competition (NDAC) is an annual event organised by the Textile Museum under the Department of Culture, Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs and the Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan (RTA). The main objective of organizing this national level competition is to promote the unique arts and crafts of Bhutan by encouraging and providing a befitting platform and recognition to artisans under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty Gyalyum Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck. The competition was held in the categories of Weaving (which are the Gho and Kira), Embroidery, Traditional Painting, Contemporary Art, Wood Carving and Sculpture with generous support from Royal Government of Bhutan and Mr. and Mrs. Alan Bickell. The Contemporary Art category is organised in collaboration with VAST Bhutan.
In the past competitions, the prizes of the competition were awarded during a special ceremony held at the RTA premises. However, since 2020 due to the COVID19 situation, the results of the competition were declared on National Newspaper Kuensel and National TV BBS. Similarly, the results of the 20th NDAC is being declared virtually and through the media.
Judging of the NDAC:
The judging for the 20th National Design and Art Competition was held from 14-15 April 2022. Each category was judged by a panel of seven competent judges that are experts in the field.
Entries of the NDAC:
This year we received a total of 157 entries for the competition; 58 Kiras, 23 Ghos, 7 Embroidery pieces, 11 Traditional Paintings, 6 Sculpture works, 6 Wood Carving pieces, and 46 in the Contemporary Arts category.
Royal Patron’s Meritorious Award:
Certificates along with a reward of Nu 10,000 /- are being awarded by the Royal Patron to 11 artisans in recognition of their contribution towards the development and promotion of our arts.
Exhibition and sale of the NDAC:
The exhibition and sale will be open to the general public from 28 April 2022 until 12 May 2022 at the Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan.
The winners of the 20th National Design and Art Competition are as follows;
Entries in the Kira Category: 53
Entries in the Gho Category: 23
Entries in the Embroidery Category: 7