The “Bagmati Provincial Fine Arts Exhibition/Conference 2082” began in Naxal on Friday, February 20, 2026 [2082-11-08 (BS)]. The exhibition was inaugurated by the chief guest, Bagmati Province’s Minister for Culture and Tourism, Suresh Shrestha.
Speaking at the opening, Minister Shrestha said art and culture never die. He praised artists’ contributions to Nepal’s identity and to the economy. Referring to artist Araniko’s statue and the 84-foot-tall Buddha statue currently under construction in Panchpokhari Thangpal, he stated that the Bagmati Province government would provide support to the extent possible.
At the event, Naradmani Hartamchhali, Chancellor of the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, said that artists represent society’s soft power, and that fine arts played a leading role in initiating it. He added that discussions on art have increased outside the Kathmandu Valley as well. He expressed the view that, in the coming days, the fine arts movement should be strengthened for social transformation, and that work should continue across areas such as developing art that reflects Nepali soil, exploration, and research.
Lal Kaji Lama, Vice-Chancellor of the Academy and Coordinator of the Bagmati Province Coordination Committee, recalled the beginning of provincial exhibitions. He said the Academy has sought to nurture art at the grassroots level and to work in close connection with local geography. He added that the Academy has been moving forward in coordination with all stakeholders for the promotion and development of fine arts.
Devendra Kumar Kafle, Member Secretary of the Academy, said “Thumkeli” has also been a visionary of the creative era, and that the current generation will write the history of fine arts in the days ahead. He also expressed the view that cultural workers play an important role in making society positive, progressive, and dynamic.
During the ceremony, the following individuals and institutions were honored:
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Siddhiratna Shakya (traditional sculpture art)
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Ram Sundar Byanju (traditional painting, Paubha)
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Sarita Chitrakar (folk art)
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Bishwambhar Lamichhane (sculpture art)
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Sindhuli Kala Ghar (Sindhuli)
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World Art Link (Ratnanagar, Chitwan)
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E Arts Nepal (Lalitpur)
Speaking on behalf of the honored individuals and institutions, artist Bishwambhar Lamichhane discussed various aspects of art and expressed gratitude for the recognition by the Academy.
The program was attended by members of the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA )’s Academic Council and Academic Assembly, as well as former Vice-Chancellor Gopal Chitrakar, Cultural Corporation General Manager Kiran Babu Pun, Fine Arts Campus (Bhotahty) Campus Chief Dr. Yam Prasad Sharma, National Child Rights Council Vice-Chair Bom Baniya, along with artists, journalists, and others.
The exhibition will run until February 24, 2026 [2082 Falgun 12].
Kathmandu Exhibition
