Welcome to Choki Traditional Arts School
“Empowering the unprivileged youth as custodians of distinct culture.”
Choki Traditional Art School (CTAS) was established in 1999 by Dasho Choki Dorji, former head of the Painting Department of the Royal Government of Bhutan, with the mission to develop cultural resilience and build cultural identity, knowledge, and practices in line with the country’s guiding development principal. CTAS is Bhutan’s only private traditional arts school and provides cost free, skills-related education in the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. The school was inaugurated with the goal of supporting less fortunate youth, especially those who might not have access or ability for formal education or training at the National Arts School.
From its first year with only five students, the school has since grown to a student population of over 160 each year. Today, the school is run by the Choki family and supported by a faculty of eighteen staff members. Until 2000, its operations were financed by the family along with proceeds from the school’s Handicraft Shop, where students sell their arts and crafts. The sale of these student-made craft products still typically covers about 30% of the annual operating budget. Himalayan Youth Foundation began financially supporting CTAS in 2002 and since that time has been integral in the expansion and continued success of both the school and her students.
Learn More
You can find more information about Choki Traditional Arts School by visiting their website or by using the contact information below.
Kabesa, Thimphu, BHUTAN Post box: 1118
Tel: 00975-2-361077
Email: sonamctas@gmail.com