Closing of the Indochina Arts Partnership
From Indochina Arts Partnership:
When the IAP was founded in 1987, its mission was to build cultural and educational bridges between the US and Vietnam. At that time, there were no diplomatic relations between the two countries, and the US had imposed a strict
trade embargo against Vietnam. In spite of these obstacles, the artists of both countries have come together to build these bridges, by forming lasting friendships. These friendships started as collaborations beginning with the IAP’s first major exhibition, “As Seen By Both Sides” and continue today with ongoing programs such as the artist-in-residence program.
We now feel that the mission of the IAP has been significantly accomplished. Therefore, we are announcing the closing of the IAP effective June 30, 2019. We deeply appreciate our many friends and sponsors in both Vietnam and the United States for believing in our dream and thank them greatly for making our dream a reality. We especially want to
thank the artists of both countries and our many generous donors. Without your support and encouragement, none of this would have been possible.
The past thirty-one years have seen major changes in U.S.-Vietnam relations. The U.S. trade embargo was lifted in 1994 and full diplomatic relations established in 1995. The U.S. is now one of Vietnam’s leading trading partners and thousands of American tourists visit Vietnam every month. Vietnamese artists, who had no opportunity to visit the United
States then, now have many opportunities to visit the U.S. and to exhibit their work here. Many U.S. art schools, museums, foundations, residency programs and others now regularly invite Vietnamese artists to come to the U.S. Moreover, Vietnamese artists and collectors are beginning to create opportunities for artists from many countries to visit and exhibit and work in Vietnam.
It is an exciting time in Vietnam and for the Vietnamese art community. There remain many challenges for Vietnamese artists as they enter the international community but we feel they will find their own way to best accomplish this. We take great pride in the role we played in helping artists use their art not only to heal the wounds of war but also to create a future with untold opportunities.
We give our heartfelt thanks to David Thomas, IAP founder and director, whose desire to bring about reconciliation after the war took the unique approach of reconciliation through art. This led to 30 years of sustained effort in developing friendships and connections with Vietnamese artists, politicians, art educators, universities and museums, while at the same time bringing U.S. museums, galleries, donors, artists, friends and supporters together to make this dream a reality. Through the efforts of David Thomas, a unique and wonderful assembly of individuals have had their lives enriched by friendships developed over the years while being introduced to the art of another culture – on both sides.
And in closing, we give great thanks to Nhung Walsh for her work with the IAP over the past three years. Looking ahead, we wish her great success in her new ventures.
