projects: culture
Situated between the Indian subcontinent to the South and West, the oasis societies of Central Asia to the North, and Greater China to the East, the Tibetan plateau is home to a truly unique culture, with distinctive technologies and traditions that have allowed Tibetan communities to thrive in a harsh environment. Trace Foundation views understanding and respect for local culture as fundamental to the process of sustainable development.
Accordingly, all Trace Foundation projects are designed to make use of culturally and environmentally appropriate solutions. Projects in culture aim to bolster the indigenous traditions of the Tibetan plateau, both for its own sake, and for the practical contributions traditional knowledge can bring to daily life in the contemporary world.
The Foundation is actively involved in a variety of initiatives including cultural-heritage preservation, support of local traditions, documentation of folk culture and local history, and promotion of contemporary Tibetan arts.
Latse Contemporary Tibetan Cultural Library
Latse Contemporary Tibetan Cultural Library is the library of Trace Foundation. Latse was established in 2003 in New York City, to further the goals of the Foundation through resource collections, public programs, and other activities.
With its aim of representing the vibrancy of contemporary Tibetan society, and a focus on secular culture, Latse's collection spans not only recent publications but traditional Tibetan texts, periodicals, audio and visual content, and works of art. Latse Library also has regular public programs, events, and publications that highlight the collection and shed light on the dynamic state of Tibetan culture today.
Latse is a forum of free enquiry for Tibetans, scholars, and visitors from all over the world to deepen their knowledge, exchange ideas, and share and explore the many facets of contemporary Tibetan culture.