Programs and Events

American Cultural Specialist Boosts Lao Museums' Knowledge on Exhibits

Workshop participants join a group photo after receiving certificates from Public Affairs Officer Amy Archibald (center)

A participant puts the final touches on his “final exam” exhibit.

Ms. Bonnie Baskin, Conservator of the Fine Arts, came to Laos from May 28-June 8 to meet with officials and local preservation experts. The Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy organized a four-day workshop at the National Museum in Luang Prabang, in cooperation with the Ministry of Information and Culture, to share best practices on creating exhibits and presenting information to the public.

The workshop aimed to develop expertise and to share best practices with officials from the Ministry of Information and Culture and museum staff members from Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, Xiengkouang, Luang Namtha, Savannakhet and Champassak provinces. The four-day workshop covered aspects of museum operations including collection care (handling, light, and humidity concerns), registration methods and materials, evaluation of visitor behavior, development of interpretive materials, and the planning and execution of exhibits. During the event, participants watched visitors tour the National Museum of Luang Prabang to evaluate their interest in different exhibits, practiced working with registration forms, and discussed internationally-recognized standards for museum work. The program culminated with a “final exam” during which participants selected themes, bought items at a local market, then designed and set up their own “exhibits.” 

Ms. Baskin, a well-known American cultural specialist, has conducted programs at the National Museums in Vientiane and Luang Prabang every year since 1999.