The Rohingya Cultural Memory Centre (RCMC) operates under the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) portfolio of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), focusing on documenting and preserving Rohingya cultural heritage for psychosocial well-being.

Established in 2019, RCMC engages Rohingya artisans to create artifacts and conduct activities representing their identity. The center, designed collaboratively, opened in March 2022, hosting various events and building a repository of over 1000 artworks and artifacts. RCMC aims to provide a safe space for the Rohingya community to share, preserve, and reconnect with their cultural memories, promoting psychosocial well-being and positive identity.

The structure, designed with Rohingya architectural methods, houses exhibitions and serves as a platform for cultural and educational programs. It operates both physically and digitally through its website, Instagram, and YouTube channel. The center, open six days a week, prioritizes Wednesdays for women and girls. Plans include community outreach with mobile "cultural boxes" to bring RCMC closer to the refugee communities.

Identity
The Rohingya Cultural Memory Centre creates a space for the Rohingya people to self-define their identity by bringing together Rohingya knowledge, resources (including oral traditions, collective and individual memories, indigenous practices, etc.), and people (including knowledge practitioners and artists) into one collaborative space. The Rohingya "walk-through" experience, an interactive exhibit spanning different areas of Rohingya life, is a key outcome of the project.

Heritage
The RCMC ensures the continuity of Rohingya heritage for future generations by collecting, documenting and (re)producing Rohingya cultural practices and artefacts. Collection items serve as prototypes for the production of a wide range of items that might otherwise be lost. RCMC productions such as the Visual Dictionary of Rohingya Culture, the animation series Our Rohingya Adventures, recordings of Rohingya music, posters, books, etc., also serve as learning tools and discussion prompts. Moreover, by establishing a Rohingya cultural archive, the RCMC fosters pride in the Rohingya past.

Livelihoods 
All artisans and researchers involved in RCMC activities receive proper remuneration and acknowledgment for their work. Additionally, the RCMC's conservation-to-innovation production pathway allows them to explore new processes and materials, innovating their crafts and creating future livelihood possibilities. For our work in camp, the RCMC identifies key individuals to lead arts and crafts workshops and participate in knowledge-sharing activities. A dedicated Rohingya team is being trained to operate and manage the RCMC and its educational programs. In addition, an artist-in-residence program has been established to provide Rohingya artists and artisans with access to short-term specific skill workshops led by key local, national and international artists. 

Self-advocacy

The Rohingya Cultural Memory Centre (RCMC) has been a labor of love. It focuses on art and culture as an integral part of creating sustainable futures for Rohingya refugees and ensure their psychosocial well-being through cultural preservation making it unique within the world of emergency response. We are grateful to all the organizations and individuals who believed in this unusual endeavor and helped give it life.
 
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) -Bangladesh conceived and championed this unique project through many challenges. The bold vision set by the RCMC project manager and curator drove the project team to imagine a future in which the Rohingya would be known for their art and creativity, not just their marginalization. By successfully realizing this vision, we hope to spark a radical change in the world's attitude toward the Rohingya people.
 
IOM's technical teams' coordination in Manila, Geneva, and Cox's Bazar has made the launch of the digital collection and website possible. IOM's Migration Health Division (MHD), through Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) which the project is anchored, Site Management and Site Development (SMSD), Shelter and Non-Food Items (SNFI), Communication with Communities (CwC) and Protection teams offered valuable support and collaboration.
 
We appreciate and remember the contributions of Manuel Marques Pereira- Head of Migration, Environment, and Climate Change Division-IOM Geneva, the former Deputy Chief of Mission (DCOM) in Cox's Bazar office who doubled up as Special Advisor to the centre with his unwavering support, guidance, and leadership during the conceptualization and development of the centre. Manuel remains a great advocate not only for Rohingya refugees but also for Rohingya Cultural and Memory Centre (RCMC). David Palazón, as the Curator, established the research and production streams with dedication, hard work, and passion. Shahirah Majumdar, as project editor, launched the website and center, and provided key leadership to the team during her time. We thank Lurdes Macedo for contributing to the centre with the expertise as Cultural Studies Consultant.
 
The RCMC would not exist without the support of the Government of Bangladesh, now generously hosting over one million Rohingya people. Special thanks to the office of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC).
 
Thank you to our generous donors: the Swedish International Cooperation Agency (SIDA), Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD), the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), World Bank, the Government of Japan, Netherlands, European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM).
 
Most of all, thanks to all in the Rohingya community who have offered their stories, support, and extraordinary talents.
 
Lastly, we want to thank the people who have contributed to RCMC with their talent at every stage.
 
Architecture & Design
Khwaja Fatmi
Rizvi Hassan
 
Photography & Videography
David Palazón
Hossain Ahammod Masum
Mirza Inty
 
Archive Management
Lurdes Macedo
Rahul Karim
Verity Marques
Hossain Ahammod Masum
 
Contributing Writers
Aman Ullah
Fouzia Reza
Lurdes Macedo
Rahul Karim
Shahirah Majumdar
Sophie Danielson
Tazrian Rahman
Verity Marques
Zeeshan Khan
Namrata Talukder
 
Artists-in-Residence 
Asif Imteaz Tanu
Farzana Ahmed Urmi
Khwaja Fatmi
Rowson Akter
Saleha Akter Urmi
Shaila Siraj
Shwettaj Jahan Tithi
Sadya Mizan
Fawzia Bhuiyan

Rezaul Karim
Anuar Jahed
Fuad Hasan Al Masud