Vientiane, Lao PDR, 16 September 2026 – Land and Memory: Living with UXO in Lao PDR, a new exhibition bringing together the work of five Lao artists, will open at the MAG Visitor Information Centre in Vientiane on 16 September 2026.
Co-developed by the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) and The XYZ Art Center, the exhibition explores the relationship between people, land, and memory in a country that remains heavily affected by unexploded ordnance. Through mixed media, the artists reflect on how the legacy of conflict continues to shape landscapes, livelihoods, and everyday life across Lao PDR.
The exhibition was developed through research and dialogue with UXO-affected communities. Drawing inspiration from personal stories, lived experiences, and the places where communities continue to live alongside the remnants of war, the artworks offer diverse perspectives on loss, resilience, adaptation, and hope.
Opening as Lao PDR hosts the Convention on Cluster Munitions Review Conference, Land and Memory provides an opportunity to reflect on the enduring humanitarian impact of cluster munitions and the importance of sustained international commitment to addressing their consequences. The exhibition connects local experiences in Lao PDR with global efforts to prevent harm to civilians and support communities affected by conflict.
Quote from Eli Mechanic, Country Director, MAGQuote from Eli Mechanic, Country Director, MAG
“As Lao PDR hosts the Convention on Cluster Munitions Review Conference, this exhibition reminds us that the impact of conflict is not confined to the past. Through the work of five Lao artists, Land and Memory brings attention to the lasting consequences of unexploded ordnance while celebrating the resilience and strength of affected communities. We hope this exhibition encourages reflection on the importance of safe land, both here in Laos and around the world.”
Quote from Manithip Vongphachanh, Managing Director, The XYZ ART CENTER
“This has been a deeply valuable learning experience for us. Working with MAG and the artists has helped us better understand the legacy of UXO and the lived realities of communities affected by it. It has been especially meaningful to see our artists engage with this subject more closely and develop their own perspectives through the process. We greatly value this kind of collaboration and hope to create more opportunities for artists to engage with important social issues in the future.
The exhibition was made possible through the support of the European Union, the Governments of Norway and the United Kingdom, and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.
Exhibition Information
Title: Land and Memory: Living with UXO in Lao PDR
Venue: MAG Visitor Information Centre, Vientiane Capital
Exhibition Dates: 16 September – 31 December 2026
Opening Hours: 10 am – 12 pm | 1 pm – 6 pm
About MAG in Laos
The Mines Advisory Group (MAG) is a global humanitarian and advocacy organization that finds, removes and destroys landmines, cluster munitions and unexploded bombs from places affected by conflict. MAG has been working in Lao PDR since 1994 clearing unexploded bombs and providing explosive ordnance risk education, helping families safely farm, build, and live without fear.
About the XYZ Art Center
Founded in 2022, The XYZ Art Center is a social enterprise in Lao PDR supporting the country’s arts and cultural ecosystem. Through exhibitions, artist development, creative research, and community projects, the Art Center creates opportunities for artists to develop their practice, engage with communities, and connect Lao perspectives with wider audiences.
Media Contact
Dala Soutthichak, Communications Manager, MAG Laos
Dala.Soutthichak@maginternational.org
Media interviews with participating artists and representatives of the exhibition partners are available upon request. A selection of high-resolution images from the exhibition can also be provided for publication.
