Similar to the National Institute of Zorig Chosum in Thimphu, the Institute by the same name in Trashi Yangtse was opened in 1997 to provide opportunities in vocational training in arts and crafts for students who are not able to continue their higher education. Student artisans are taught on all the essential skills to master any one of the 13 arts and crafts of Bhutan over a 3-6 years’ period depending on their specialization.

Apart from its significant role in conservation of culture and traditions, the Institute inculcates the essence of dignity of labor and provide life skills for employment and livelihood. A visit to the Painting School is a great opportunity for tourists to visit the classrooms and watch the students at their work stations. These finished products of the students are displayed in a small gallery for interested buyer as memento and gifts.

Bhutan is popular for its unique art and culture and this very uniqueness played an important role in maintaining the country’s independence and sovereignty. Moreover, all the 13 arts and crafts are considered sacred and holds a significant and auspicious place in Bhutan’s cultural heritage since these were pioneered by some of the great saints in their task to spread Buddhism and the Buddha’s teachings.

Besides its beauty, uniqueness and intricacies, the arts and crafts of Bhutan hold and convey great spiritual meaning with moral intent. These are culturally embedded and visible in every aspect of the Bhutanese life, from the design on the everyday dresses, costumes, jewelries to wall paintings of houses, temples and monasteries, furniture, crockery, prayer flags that adorn the bridges and mountainsides and in everything that is essentially Bhutanese and local.