Living Places, Living KNowledge
Creative Asset Mapping (CAM) is a process of identifying, documenting, and visually representing the creative resources and talents within a community. This includes artists, cultural spaces, traditions, events, and other cultural assets. It helps communities better understand their cultural landscape and informs future development, collaboration, and preservation efforts.
AMCA initiated a pilot project for CAM in 2023 that combined hands-on training with real-world mapping. Thirteen participants from Shan, Mandalay, and Yangon documented artists, cultural practitioners, traditional artisans, and events in their regions. They created online and illustrated maps that showcase these cultural resources and the challenges they face. This pilot project was a significant step toward a better understanding of Myanmar's contemporary arts and culture sector.
AMCA's Approach
At AMCA, our approach to Creative Asset Mapping is a research-based, community-driven process. Local residents, artists, and cultural practitioners actively contribute by sharing their knowledge and perspectives. The results are presented visually, often through maps, so communities can clearly see where creative assets exist and how they connect. We believe this approach not only preserves existing cultural practices but also encourages collaboration, exchange, and the creation of new works.
Mapping the Creative Assets at Risk in Mandalay, Mon, and Southern Shan
Building on the pilot's success, AMCA is expanding the program in 2025 with support from the British Council's Connections Through Culture grant program. This initiative focuses on safeguarding Myanmar's tangible artistic assets, especially in communities affected by environmental changes, displacement, and conflict.
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Develop local maps of tangible crative assets to serve as a resource for communities.
Share findings with local and international experts to foster knowledge exchange.
Document creative practices in endangered or crisis-affected areas.
Inspire further research and collaborations that strengthen Myanmar’s cultural identity.
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The program brought together nine dedicated arts and culture practitioners from diverse regions of Myanmar – Southern Shan State, Mon State, and Mandalay Division. Throughout the program, AMCA’s project team worked in close collaboration with the participants, providing continuous support and guidance. This collaborative effort was further strengthened by valuable international expertise and specialized technical training. Professor Sandra Dudley from the University of Leicester delivered insightful lectures on the critical concepts of cultural heritage and mapping, providing a strong theoretical foundation. Concurrently, technical experts from Thibi conducted practical training sessions focused on mapping techniques and data visualization, equipping participants with the essential digital skills needed for the project.
After an intensive four-month process, the program culminated in the successful creation of a digital story map, aptly titled "Living Places, Living Knowledge." This serves as a powerful testament to the program's objectives, effectively presenting crucial findings and insights gathered throughout the project. The digital story map and the information of assets not only showcases the rich cultural tapestry of the participating regions but also actively fosters cultural resilience, promotes inter-community exchange, and empowers local communities to take ownership of their heritage narratives.
Mandalay Region
In the middle and upper regions of Myanmar, Mandalay and its surrounding areas like Sagaing hold a rich culture closely tied to the last royal cities. Yet, much of its present-day creative heritage remains undocumented, despite being widely known.
Mon Region
Mon State, nestled in the lower region of Myanmar, is a land brimming with a rich and diverse cultural heritage. However, despite this deep well of creativity, much of its present-day artistic and cultural assets remain largely undocumented.
Southern Shan Region
Shan region, with its rich and unique traditions, crafts, and natural heritage sites, is a cultural hub in eastern Myanmar. Despite this, much of its creative heritage remains undocumented.
Summary & recommendations
One of the most fascinating discoveries from our mapping process is the profound interconnectedness of creative assets. Local creative wisdom is not isolated; it inspires and connects with that of other regions.