A team of artists, artisan families and their friends have come together to launch the Nepal Art Village (NAV). NAV is a registered company formed under the laws and regulations of Nepal. We have our office at Patan and the site where we are building the art village is Chaampi in Godavari Municipality in south Lalitpur.
The NAV team is led by a board, a fully functional secretariat and shareholders who have invested in the project. We have also formed partnerships with the local municipal government and local wards. We now have banks and savings and credit groups who are backing us in this endeavour.
- First of all Nepalis and the whole world are proud of the 7 UNESCO designated World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu valley that our ancestors built. The question we are asking today is, “Should we also build a site that will be a future world heritage site?” We have the knowledge and skills, we can mobilise the resources. So why not leave our legacy for future generations to be proud of?
- Secondly, we want to create a space where the natural, social and built environment is conducive to what artists and creative people need to excel. We want to be healthy, ensure longevity and be able to lead a long productive life. Water, air forests, open spaces, walking and cycling lanes, and hike trails, all will help create the ideal space for creativity.
- People do not move to places where there are monuments and houses but to places where there is work, jobs and opportunities for gainful employment. At a time when 1 in 4 Nepalis have left the country and work abroad, we need to create work opportunities here in Nepal. Nepali art and craft is competitive and the world is our market. We shall also create jobs with traditional food, drinks, festivities and cultural events as well. Visitors and the services for them will all create work for the residents of the “village”. The dividend will be shared so that we can take care of everyone who invests in this unique project. In the future, we are already planning for similar projects across Nepal. We believe that heritage will unite Nepal.
The Nepal Art Village will have 4 very distinct areas by functions. The first will be a core heritage area where we shall display the best our artists can design and craft. This will be the main area that will draw visitors and be able to enjoy the best Nepali artists have to offer which will be known as the Heritage Zone.
The second will be a Residential Zone where there will be individual and collective housing designed in traditional styles but with all the modern amenities needed for comfort for everyone, especially children and the elderly. Water, waste, energy, and greenery will all be managed for zero negative impact and renewability. The extra rooms families have will be put online to generate income. We hope to offer more accommodation collectively than the largest hotels in Nepal.
The third will be for business or Commercial Zone which includes shops, restaurants, and coffee and tea shops. The whole place should become a vibrant marketplace to buy and sell the best Nepal has to offer in the most relaxing shopping experience. Art, craft, textiles, food, drinks, pickles to local dairy and vegetable products will be available. We plan to use the market to revive ancient recipes and a memorable dining experience.
The fourth area will be dedicated to workshops where artists, craftsmen, weavers and potters will all be able to do what they do best. We plan to make this into world-class workspaces with the best safety standards. All the needed inputs will be available with ease, and shipping and handling services will be there. Transport from and to the art village will be easy and convenient.
NAV is also dedicated to the preservation of our natural heritage including plants, flowers, fruits water and all that help us to stay healthy and keep our cultural calendar thriving.
Anil Chitrakar
Chairman
