About MoCTA
The Museum of Contemporary Tibetan Art (MoCTA) is the first museum of its kind, anywhere in the world, to be dedicated as a permanent exhibition and home for contemporary Tibetan art.
MoCTA was founded in 2017 by the celebrated Tibetan artist, Tashi Norbu, Leela Eleni Skitsa and a wider team of staff and volunteers. They are devoted to the establishment of a noble and professional institution which is able to transmit ideological concepts, manifest Buddhist philosophy and preserve the imprints of Tibetan art and culture. MoCTA aims to stimulate interest in the voice of Tibet, providing the public with inspiring activities related to Tibetan culture via its collection, exhibitions, workshops and events.
Just as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) is focused on the preservation of global cultural heritage, so is MoCTA devoted to preserving the cultural heritage of Tibet, whilst also building bridges between Eastern and Western forms of art. MoCTA protects, supports and encourages the development of Tibetan art, which is not only focused on past traditions but also explores the present and future, fusing new ideas to the cultural heritage. MoCTA is a ‘lightning conductor’ of Tibetan art and culture, transmitting messages across the globe about Tibet and manifesting the four commitments in life of the 14 Dalai Lama of Tibet, with all the moral values His Holiness presents to humanity.
In October 2022 MoCTA gained official status as a member of the circle of Dutch Museums from its home in the Netherlands. It proudly met the high-quality criteria and ICOM (International code of Ethics for Museums) standards set for the practice of museum professionals; adhering to the values shared by the international Museum Community.
MoCTA has ANBI status as a Public Beneficial Organisation
MOCTA is qualified as an ANBI Status, registered with the Tax Authorities as a General Benefit Institution. MoCTA is a Public Benefit Organisation ANBI (Algemeen Nut Beogende Instelling) because it meets all the necessary criteria and its efforts are entirely committed to the public benefit.
- An ANBI does not pay Dutch inheritance tax or gift tax on inheritances.
- An ANBI does not pay Dutch gift tax on gifts that the organisation awards to the public benefit.
- Natural and legal persons who donate to an ANBI can deduct their gifts from their Dutch income tax or corporate income tax.
Click here to read more about our ANBI status or to see our anual reports
Museum founders
Lama Tashi Norbu
Lama Tashi is the Founder. He is the Executive and Artistic Director of the Museum. He is directing Museum along with the Board and the Board of advisors
Leela Eleni skitsa
Leela Eleni Skitsa – Co-Founder along with Lama Tashi. A former Managing Director, a member of the Board at various posts. An Artist, curator and art critic.
Museum Directors, Board Tibet House Holland foundation
John Bax
Treasurer
Désirée Lorist
General board member and museum management
Ronald Klaar
Chairman and museum shop manager
Chantal Berens
Secretary and administration
Our mission
To provide an engaging environment for Artists as well as to inspire, motivate and challenge its audiences, to attract new audiences and to be an accessible resource that would elevate the role of Tibetan Art and Art in general, in our contemporary world. To spread awareness to an international public about Contemporary Tibet-inspired artworks and their themes.
With the aim to preserve the Heritage of Tibet, which is not only about the past; it is about the present and future. And here we do create a heritage by adding new ideas to old ideals; involving continual creation and transformation. And this is what we perform in the Museum of Contemporary Tibetan Art.
Our vision
Building a bridge between Eastern and Western world. With the aim to keep contributing to the awareness of preservation of Tibetan art and culture, exchanging values, promoting education, study and awareness to a local, national and international public. Standing with pride, providing an insight and a continuous interaction between the two cultures. The Museum would conserve, research and present the collection which has already been proven to be a platform for artistic and cultural activities nor only between Tibetan Artists and Public but Between Tibetan Artist in the world and Western Artist, interested in Tibet, its story, its land and its voice. At the same time through its collection and its themes, would spread the Buddhist philosophy and moral values that the spiritual leader of Tibet 14th Dalai Lama is committed to, for the world.
Education Presentation
The educational activities of our Museum on Art and Culture is consisted out of Lectures, Audio Tours, Workshops as well as internship with the university of Groningen.
Students from the University of Groningen / School of Art and History starting their internship at our Museum of Contemporary Tibetan Art in Emmen