The British Council, in partnership with WOW (Women of the World), hosted the WOW Festival at Narayanchaur, Naxal. The event featured stalls showcasing calligraphy, local handicrafts, astronomy, ceramics, and more from across Kathmandu. As a collaborative effort with the Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol actively participated in the initiative. The festival also highlighted mental health awareness, dramas, recreational activities, and a vibrant food section. Spanning two days, the event aimed to engage with various aspects of daily life, leaving a meaningful impact on attendees.
During the festival, artists were provided with canvases and paints to create their unique artworks on-site, adding a dynamic and interactive element to the event. A total of 21 talented artists participated in this creative workshop, including notable names such as Saurganga Darshandhari, Sunita Rana, Pramila Bajracharya, Namrata Singh, and Sangee Shrestha. Their contributions brought vibrancy and artistic energy to the festival, showcasing a rich tapestry of creativity.
Centered on the theme of empowering women from diverse backgrounds, the program also featured captivating live musical performances. Renowned artist Kunti Moktan graced the festival with her music, adding to the event’s vibrant atmosphere. Following the festival, the artworks created by participating artists were showcased in an exhibition at the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts gallery. The exhibition runs from November 25th to 30th, offering the public an opportunity to admire the creativity and talent displayed during the event.
The artworks showcased in the exhibition were created over the course of two days by the participating artists. These pieces vividly reflect the nuances of contemporary Nepalese society, the challenges faced by modern Nepali artists, and their evolving roles in today’s dynamic cultural landscape. The innovative styles and approaches adopted by the artists during the workshop evoke a sense of awe, challenging traditional norms and inspiring fresh perspectives. Many of the artists expressed their joy and fulfillment in contributing to such a meaningful cause, emphasizing how the experience enriched their creative journeys.
Suresh Maharjan, an artist and visitor at the festival and workshop, shared his thoughts, saying, “Festivals and workshops like these should be held in open spaces more frequently. Public spaces, where people often spend their leisure time, can become sources of inspiration through such events. Additionally, the presence of school students at the festival was noteworthy, as it helped broaden their knowledge and expand their horizons of thinking.”
The exhibition at the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts gallery runs until November 30th. If you’re an art enthusiast, don’t miss the chance to explore the creations of Nepal’s talented female artists. Visit the gallery to witness the inspiring works of these celebrated artists firsthand.
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