The news of the additional donations was reported in Lao media and follows hot on the heels of a trip US ambassador Daniel Clune took to Luang Prabang. The embassy in Laos collaborates with the US State Department in allocating grants for in-country culture and heritage projects.
The Ambassadors’ Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) has donated funding to various Lao projects for each of the last 13 years. A total of 16 different endowments have provided the means of safeguarding historic sites, enhancing museums and creating records that document ancient Lao traditions.
On the ambassadorial visit between 6 and 9 December, the ambassador inspected Luang Prabang National Museum and the restored areas of Vat Xiengthong Temple. These two projects were carried out under the auspices of AFCP endowments. The sign-off ceremonies were arranged and presided over by officials attached to Luang Prabang’s Culture and Tourism Division.
Luang Prabang garners more US funding
News in Asia
The US Embassy in Laos has confirmed that it is to provide additional funding for preservation projects in Luang Prabang. This time around, the embassy says it will provide grants to the tune of US$655,000 to conserve the comprehensive exhibits and artefacts housed in the UNESCO town’s Buddhist archives.