Priorities

The priority subject areas of SEAMEO-SPAFA's programme activities.

Archaeology
- Cultural Resource Management and Cultural Tourism
- Information Technology for Archaeological Database Management
- Disciplinary Studies (e.g., Prehistory, Epigraphy, Iconography, Underwater archaeology, etc.)

Visual Arts
- Art Education and Pedagogy
- Art History and Aesthetics
- Art Curatorship and Exhibition Design
- Art Management

Performing Arts
- Performing Arts History and Aesthetics
- Performing Arts Education and Pedagogy
- Performing Arts Theories and Practice
- Performing Arts Design, Technology and Management

The Centre's activities are divided into the following:
a. Training
b. Seminar/workshop
c. Information dissemination
d. Library/documentation services
e. Research and development
f.Personnel of exchange

TRAINING
Aim to expand knowledge and improve skills. The most relevant and urgently required skills in archaeology and fine arts are usually provided.

SEMINARS/WORKSHOPS
Aim to offer the opportunity for experts and specialists in archaeology, fine arts and culture to meet, share experiences, skills and knowledge.

RESEARCH
Research programmes undertaken by SPAFA in the past included the field research on ethnic music in Thailand and Indonesia; textbook development for art education in Southeast Asia; and research and documentation of early epigraphic evidence in Southeast Asia.

EXCHANGE
The objective of personnel exchanges is to share expertise among personnel responsible for cultural activities in the region. Arrangements are made for specialists, artists and technicians from member countries to participate in workshops, to conduct workshops and to make study visits to institutions specializing in their relevant fields.

LIBRARY/DOCUMENTATION SERVICES
One of the major activities of SEAMEO-SPAFA is its Library and Documentation services, which include clearing horese functions It documents and publishes proceedings of SPAFA activities: research, seminars, workshops, and a journal on archaeology and arts entitle SPAFA Journal. SPAFA Library and Documentation Services collects, processes, stores, retrieves and disseminates information on archaeology, prehistory, fine arts, performing arts, visual arts, conservation and related disciplines. These information are made available to educational and cultural institutions, including researchers, scholars, artists, etc.

The Library is open for reference use and interlibrary loan. Its bibliographic databases on archaeology and fine arts are available in print and electronic form.
Publications available:
- Bibliographies and directories
- Reports of workshops, seminars, and research
- The SPAFA Journal