Culture & Arts
“I used to think the top environmental problems were biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and climate change. I thought that with 30 years of good science we could address those problems. But I was wrong. The top environmental problems are selfishness, greed and apathy … and to deal with those we need a spiritual and cultural transformations and we scientists don't know how to do that.”
Gus Speth, US Policy Maker and Environmentalist
We are at a time in history where more then ever nature’s balance is disturbed by mankind and as Gus Speth points out, a true spiritual and cultural transformation is necessary because we cannot continue to use nature as an unlimited resource. Our role as a botanical garden is to build and implement the necessary understanding and tools for biodiversity conservation and the natural setting of Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden encourages contemplation, stimulation, and creativity. We believe that Art and Culture take a central place in our work to help with this consciousness shift for towards a more liveable world.
From 2010 to 2014 Jean-Pierre Dovat in collaboration with Rik Gadella organized in Project Space • Luang Prabang over 16 thematic exhibitions showcasing arts, crafts and contemporary artists from Southeast Asia. Photography from young local talent, ceremonial paintings from the Yao Mien ethnic minority group, contemporary art, vintage textiles and traditional arts from Laos all found their place in a beautiful three-story building in the historical heart of the UNESCO heritage town of Luang Prabang.
Project Space will now find a new home in the serene Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden that opened to the public in November 2016. Since 2008 a team of 50 dedicated Lao under the direction of Rik Gadella worked to create the first and only botanical garden of Laos. Focusing on the flora of Laos, Pha Tad Ke reserves a special place for the ethno-botany of Laos, biodiversity conservation through in and ex-situ conservation projects, permaculture and alley cropping demonstration and research facilities.
In 2019 our combined synergies started this new and exciting phase to create Project Space • Pha Tad Ke. Beautifully restored wooden houses will host exhibitions, workshops and multi-disciplinary projects in the heart of Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden. A small study room will house a research library and a contemporary building will house and showcase our budding collection of contemporary Lao artists.
An important part of our resources will be used to provide scholarships for art students, and to build a comprehensive collection of contemporary art from the 1960’ties till now. Accommodating residencies for contemporary artists, designers and writers to open new pathways for research and creation we will put in place an exciting series of workshops and lectures from local and international artists, researchers and designers to engage international visitors and to open and stimulate creative paths for young talents from Laos.
