SATV 17 April, Kathmandu: The Fine Arts Festival-2082 began for the first time by Nepal Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) to mark the Nepali new year and the 16th anniversary of the Academy. 

The event was inaugurated by the Academy’s patron and Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey on Tuesday.

Speaking at the programme, Minister Pandey said that art delves into the depths of knowledge, study, and research, awakening the inner consciousness of society and inspiring people to follow the right path.

Emphasising the need to pass down traditional knowledge and skills in the field of art, he said that this initiative would eventually become a part of history. 

“Artists engaged in such art that reflects the philosophy of life and the societal context must set and pursue their destinations,” said the Minister.

Chancellor of NAFA ,  Naradmani Hartamchhali, said that the festival, being organised for the first time by the Academy, saw significant participation from art enthusiasts, artists, students, and the general public, which has energised the academy’s vision.

Stating that the programme aims to make the Nepali art sector more dynamic, he said that the festival would be organised even more grandly in the coming years.

According to Vice-Chancellor and coordinator of the festival Lalkaji Lama, the festival has brought together diverse forms of Nepali art focused on practice, creation, and dedication. He expressed belief that the event would play an important role in developing NAFA as an art hub.

The festival includes various forms and mediums such as painting, sculpture, handicrafts, folk art, multidimensional and other creative art forms, aiming to initiate the promotion and development of the art market.

The festival brings together artists, critics, researchers, intellectuals, scholars, artworks, and artistic products under one roof to promote fine arts on-site, honour artists, and contribute to the country's cultural economy through the medium of art.

The fair, featuring more than 45 stalls, will continue till April 18.