Lumbini and Gandaki Provincial Fine Arts Exhibitions Conclude
Butwal/Gaindakot | February 7, 2026 [2082-10-24 (BS)].
Provincial fine arts exhibitions and workshops organized in Lumbini and Gandaki Provinces under the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts’ “Fine Arts Across the Country” campaign have concluded. The exhibitions were held from February 1 to February 5, 2026 [2082-10-18 to 2082-10-22 (BS)], with the aim of connecting local art, culture, and tourism to the national mainstream.
Lumbini: Over 150 artworks displayed
The “Lumbini Provincial Fine Arts Exhibition–2082,” organized in Butwal through the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts in coordination with the Nepal Professional Artists Association, Rupandehi, and Kalika Manavgyan Secondary School, concluded on February 5, 2026 [2082-10-22 (BS)].
The exhibition was jointly inaugurated by Academy Chancellor Naradmani Hartamchali and Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City Mayor Khelraj Pandey.
Speaking at the program, Chancellor Hartamchali stated that fine arts are essential for the development of culture, peace, and human consciousness alongside a nation’s and society’s physical development. He added that the provincial exhibitions were organized to present the essence of art from the grassroots and to highlight local life.
Mayor Pandey described Butwal as a historically significant and high-potential center and urged artists to present local themes through art. He also expressed the municipality’s commitment to provide necessary support for the promotion of art and culture.
Dineshwar Mahato, Head of the Academy’s Sculpture Department and Coordinator of the Lumbini Province Coordination Committee, said the exhibition included diverse dimensions of Lumbini Province’s art, culture, tourism, and everyday life.
The exhibition featured more than 150 works by 115 artists across contemporary painting, sculpture, craft and handicrafts, architecture, folk art, and multidisciplinary forms. The program included remarks on the importance of art by Sanjay Bantawa (Head, Contemporary Painting Department), Jupiter Pradhan (Academy Council Member), Pitambar Banjade (Assistant Principal, Kalika Manavgyan Secondary School), and artist H.B. Ramtel.
Gandaki: Four creators honored
With the central theme “Fine Arts Campaign,” the “Gandaki Provincial Fine Arts Exhibition–2082” held in Gaindakot also concluded with enthusiastic participation. The exhibition was jointly organized by the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, the Gaindakot Municipal Academy, and Gaindakot Municipality, and was inaugurated by Chancellor Naradmani Hartamchali.
The program was chaired by Govindraj Binodi, Chancellor of the Gaindakot Municipal Academy. The event was attended by Academy Vice-Chancellor Lalkaji Lama, Gandaki Province Coordination Committee Coordinator Sauraganga Darshandhari, and Gaindakot Municipality Mayor Madanbhakta Adhikari, among others.
During the exhibition, four creators—Machindra Shakya, Mahesh Acharya, Durga Mahato, and Suvarna Kumar Pradhan—were specially honored for their contributions to the field of fine arts.
Arghakhanchi: One-day art workshop
A one-day art workshop was held in Arghakhanchi within Lumbini Province. Organized with the objective of bringing art and artists from remote areas into the mainstream, the workshop saw enthusiastic participation from local students.
At the workshop, Dineshwar Mahato expressed confidence that the presence of artists from outside major centers would become stronger at the national level in the coming days. Sanjay Bantawa said that exposure to art at a young age helps refine creativity.
Artist Keshavraj Khanal provided training to students on the basic aspects of art, and students expressed their experiences on canvas and paper.
Exhibition Butwal