Our Mission

The International Dunhuang Programme, formerly the International Dunhuang Project, provides access to images, information and learning resources about manuscripts, printed materials and other items from sites of the Eastern Silk Roads through its online platform.

We currently link the collections of over 35 partner institutions worldwide, forming a growing network of libraries, museums and research institutes. We also regularly organise and support academic events, professional exchanges and cultural activities. These are aimed at users of all ages for their research, inspiration and enjoyment.

All the IDP partners share the vision to:

• Increase awareness and understanding of the history and culture of the eastern Silk Roads;
• Conserve, digitise, document and promote materials relating to the eastern Silk Roads in their collections and in other institutions across the world;
• Make all images, information and learning resources relating to these collection items freely available on the IDP website;
• Follow best practice for the documentation and preservation of these materials in both their physical and digital forms;
• Contribute to the maintenance and future development of the IDP technical and digital infrastructure;
• Support and encourage research and learning on the eastern Silk Roads;
• Facilitate, organise and support the development of exhibitions, talks, and events;
• Promote exchanges within the academic community and between professionals from partner institutions.