18th Academic Assembly of Nepal Academy of Fine Arts Inaugurated in Kathmandu

Kathmandu – The 18th Academic Assembly of the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) was officially inaugurated on Tuesday by Chancellor Naradmani Hartamchhali, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Hari Prasad Mainali, and former Chancellor Kiran Manandhar.

Speaking at the event, Chancellor Hartamchhali expressed confidence that the assembly would lay a new foundation in the field of fine arts in Nepal. He emphasized the Academy's ongoing efforts to foster an environment for creating art that reflects the country's context and said that more focus will be placed on research, study, and publication. “It is equally important to link fine arts with tourism promotion, and the Academy is working systematically in that direction,” he added.

Secretary Mainali praised the Academy's achievements despite limited resources and reaffirmed the Ministry's continued support. He stated that the Ministry is working to revise policy-related issues in consultation with all stakeholders.

Former Chancellor Kiran Manandhar appreciated the current work being done by the Academy and expressed hope that the assembly would bring a fresh perspective to the Nepali fine arts sector.

Vice-Chancellor Lal Kaji Lama emphasized that the future of Nepal's fine arts cannot be shaped by the enthusiasm of artists alone, but requires collective cooperation and support. “We are on the verge of planning for the development and prosperity of the fine arts sector. This assembly is intended to guide the Academy academically and strategically,” he said.

Member Secretary Devendra Thumkeli stressed the role of artists in providing positive direction and energy to society, asserting that social transformation lies at the heart of the Academy’s mission. “We are actively contributing to this mission through fine arts and believe this assembly will play a vital role in accelerating the sector. We are working in partnership with all artists and cultural workers across Nepal,” he said.

Dr. Dhan Prasad Subedi, Member Secretary of Nepal Academy, extended his best wishes for the success of the assembly and emphasized the importance of impactful research across various sectors in Nepal. He highlighted the Academy's dynamic work and progress.

Similarly, Kushma Mahara ‘Pragati’, Member Secretary of the Nepal Academy of Music and Drama, said there is much to learn from the work of NAFA. “The current wave of fine arts development from provincial to national levels is a very positive and commendable trend,” she said, adding that policy-related rights shared among the three academies should be addressed through collaboration.

Kiran Babu Pun, General Manager of the Cultural Corporation, pledged support and coordination with NAFA. “All of us are institutions advocating for culture under the Government of Nepal. Our common vision should be to develop cultural understanding and promote a broader mindset. The state should recognize culture as a fundamental pillar of national development,” he concluded.