The month-long fine arts exhibition, organized under the leadership of the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, has commenced in all seven provinces. According to Chancellor Naradmani Hartmchali of the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, this is the second Provincial Fine Arts Exhibition held under the federal structure since last year.
Chancellor Hartmchali stated, “The exhibition is currently ongoing in Gandaki and Karnali provinces, and it will begin in Sudurpashchim province tomorrow. Preparations for the exhibition in other provinces are in their final stages. This time, the month-long Provincial Fine Arts Exhibition has generated enthusiasm across all provinces.”
Recognized as the largest event in Nepal’s fine arts sector, the exhibition will showcase over 1,000 artworks nationwide. The exhibition, which began onFagun in Pokhara, Gandaki Province, will continue until Chaitra 1.
The Academy has officially announced that selected artworks from the ongoing provincial exhibitions will be featured in the prestigious National Art Exhibition in Kathmandu, scheduled to take place on Republic Day, Jestha 15. This initiative aims to bring together artistic expressions from different regions, highlighting the diverse creative talents across Nepal.
The month-long program includes exhibitions in Gandaki Province until Falgun 8 and in Karnali Province until Falgun 10, allowing local artists to showcase their work to a wider audience. Following these, the exhibition will continue in Sudurpashchim Province from Falgun 8 to 12 and in Lumbini Province from Falgun 10 to 14, offering artists a platform to present their unique artistic perspectives.
The exhibition then moves to Koshi Province from Falgun 16 to 20, followed by Madhesh Province from Falgun 20 to 25, ensuring that each province gets an opportunity to participate in this national-level artistic endeavor. Finally, Bagmati Province will host the exhibition from Falgun 27 to Chaitra 1, marking the conclusion of the provincial showcases before the grand National Art Exhibition in Kathmandu.
This initiative not only celebrates Nepal’s artistic diversity but also fosters cultural exchange among provinces. It provides a significant opportunity for emerging and established artists to gain national recognition, making it an important milestone in Nepal’s art scene.
For the exhibition, the academy has appointed coordinators from its academic council: Sanjay Bantawa for Koshi, Aruna Hingmang for Madhesh, Vice-Chancellor Lal Kaji Lama for Bagmati, Dineshwar Mahato for Lumbini, Saurganga Darshandhari for Gandaki, Palsangmo Lama for Karnali, and Pradeep Adhikari for Sudurpashchim Province.
The event is being organized in collaboration with fine arts-related institutions in each province. This year, the exhibition in Karnali Province has also included artwork from the Raute community. According to Palsangmo Lama, coordinator of the Karnali Province committee, the Rautes have not only exhibited their traditional household items but also demonstrated their craftsmanship at the event.
Similarly, the Sudurpashchim Provincial Art Exhibition, beginning tomorrow, will feature artworks from the Tharu community, as stated by the exhibition coordinator Pradeep Adhikari. He added that 120 artists will showcase over 200 artworks in the province, and all preparations are complete. Previously, provincial art exhibitions were not common, but this initiative started last year, according to Vice-Chancellor Lal Kaji Lama. He mentioned that the program has brought joy to artists in different districts.
Member Secretary Devendra Kafle Thumkeli emphasized that art is crucial for bringing hidden talents to the forefront and for transformation, which is why provincial exhibitions have been initiated.
This year, the National Exhibition will present the Best National Fine Arts Award with a cash prize of NPR 100,000. Additionally, category-based Fine Arts Awards and the Emerging Talent Fine Arts National Award, each with a cash prize of NPR 60,000, will be distributed.
The Fine Arts Awards will be given in various categories, including Traditional Painting, Contemporary/Modern Painting, Traditional Sculpture, Contemporary/Modern Sculpture, Handicrafts and Crafts, Architecture and Folk Art, Multidimensional Art, and other creative arts.
Similarly, on a provincial level, the Best Provincial Fine Arts Award with a cash prize of NPR 50,000 will be awarded, along with NPR 30,000 prizes in various categories such as Traditional Painting, Contemporary Painting, Traditional Sculpture, Contemporary/Modern Sculpture, Handicrafts, Architecture and Folk Art, Multidimensional Art, and other creative arts, as well as the Emerging Talent Fine Arts Provincial Award.
