RTA Receives US$ 3 Million Grant
Dr. Frederik Paulsen, chairman of the Ferring Group donated USD 3 million to the Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan. This money will be used to fund the Phase 3 of the RTA construction project.
Speaking at the official presentation of the grant to the Royal Textile Academy, and in the presence of Her Majesty Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck, the Queen of Bhutan, Dr. Paulsen said, “It is the sincere hope of all of us at Ferring that this grant will go some way towards contributing to the future success of the Royal Textile Academy and the future prosperity of Bhutan.
The Academy will act as a focal point for both education and a variety of cultural events. It will include a new, state-of-the-art museum, a textile weaving academy and a conservation centre. It is hoped that the Academy will become a destination for tourists as well as students from all over the world. Both marketing and technical assistance will be provided to the weavers of Bhutan.”
Her Majesty Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck, in response to Frederik Paulsen, said: “I sincerely thank Dr. Paulsen and Ferring Pharmaceuticals for the great support they have shown to the Academy. This grant will not only benefit the people of Bhutan, especially our weavers, but will also enrich our cultural and economic development. Establishing the Royal Textile Academy is a dream that many of us in Bhutan share. I am confident that with continued support and guidance, we will succeed in creating a dynamic institution that will ensure that the textile arts of Bhutan continue to flourish into the next century.”
According to the Executive Director of the RTA:
The construction of the Academy is divided into 4 phases. Phase 1, due to begin later this year includes the construction of the Textile Museum, and is almost entirely funded by Dr. Frederik Paulsen. The Weaving School and the Conservation Unit will be constructed in the second phase of the project. This phase is entirely funded through the Government of India Grant, and willl begin six months after the start of Phase 1. Both phases are slated for completion in 2011.
This generous donation of USD 3 million from Dr. Paulsen and Ferring Pharmaceuticals comes at an opportune time as it secures the funds for the construction of Phase 3. This phase includes the construction of the Administrative Building which includes commercial space for rent. This will enable the Academy to generate income for its operations and sustainability. We expect this phase to be completed by 2013.
The fourth phase includes the construction of a Banquet Hall. The hall will be used for the Academy’s special functions, and will also be made available for rent by government and private organizations. This will further augement the Academy’s finances, and therefore our ability to preserve and promote the textile arts of Bhutan. As of now we have not raised any funds for this phase, but are hopeful that with the support of our friends we will have raised the required funds by the beginning of 2013.
