Tibetan Cultural Institute of Arkansas – Preserving Tibetan Heritage and Culture since 2006

Our Vision
To build a community of love and compassion through preserving the culture of the Tibetan people and Tibetan Buddhism.

Our Mission

To support the sangha community through teachings, retreats and community gatherings.
To support outreach programs for youth, elderly and other exiled Tibetans in India.
To foster an environment for exiled Tibetans and students in NWA through education, support and community.
To foster a presence in the NWA community and become a contributing member for diversity and inclusion.

The Tibetan Cultural Institute of Arkansas is dedicated to helping the Tibetan people preserve their culture within the emerging global village. We are convinced that the preservation of Tibetan culture is more than an act of historical preservation. The Tibetan voice has proven itself over the millennia to be a vital voice, and one whose counsel and vision should be a major component of our attempts to solve the unique problems that confront us as we enter the 21st century. The Institute pursues its objectives through education and cultural activities; through philanthropic activities that support Tibetans living in exile; and by developing and fostering a thriving community (sangha) of individuals who draw inspiration from Tibetan culture and philosophy, and who practice those values in their daily lives.

TCIA was founded in 2006 by Professor Sidney Burris, Professor of English and Director of the Religious Studies Program at the University of Arkansas, and Ven. Geshe Thupten Dorjee, an ordained Tibetan Buddhist monk, holder of the advanced geshe lharampa and geshe ngarampa degrees, and Assistant Professor at the University of Arkansas.

The Tibetan Cultural Institute of Arkansas was officially recognized in July 2008 by the Federal Government as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.