Weaving is an integral part of Bhutan's cultural identity and one of the country's most treasured living traditions. To preserve, promote, and advance this rich textile heritage, the Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan (RTA) was established in May 2005 under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck as a non-governmental, non-profit organization. The Academy was formally registered as a Civil Society Organization (CSO) on 13 June 2011 under the Civil Society Organizations Act of Bhutan 2007.
The mission of the Royal Textile Academy is to preserve, promote, and educate people about Bhutanese textiles while fostering public awareness and international collaboration through exhibitions, research, and educational programmes. As Bhutan's premier institution for textile heritage, RTA serves as a national centre for professional training in weaving, textile design, and production. It also develops scholarship and internship programmes in textile conservation and museum studies; collects, documents, and researches historically significant textiles; curates exhibitions for national and international audiences; operates conservation facilities dedicated to the preservation and restoration of Bhutanese textiles; and conducts a wide range of cultural and educational activities, including workshops, lectures, study groups, and public outreach programmes. Through these initiatives, the Academy plays a vital role in safeguarding Bhutan's textile traditions and ensuring their transmission to future generations.