Founders

Reg. Charity No.1121118

© KAC 2008

KAC

KCAC FOUNDERS SANGEETA THAPA & CELiA WASHiNGTON

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Sangeeta Thapa
“Over the last twenty years I have felt that Nepal lacked a lively world-class contemporary art space that showcased a collection of art works that we as a nation, could take pride in. Situated between India and China, from ancient times Kathmandu served as a conduit for Hindu and Buddhist art. Her architects, craftsmen and artists were in demand in the far-flung regions of Tibet. The city of Kathmandu was regarded as a "museum without walls" and the entire valley of Kathmandu, is a world heritage site. Even today, Kathmandu, is a city that inspires artists around the world. Keeping this in mind, I feel that a Centre that brings together artists, musicians, writers and poets to a multifunctional space that reveres the past and at the same time is in tune with global trends and international artists, is essential to give a renewed vision and vigour to the contemporary art scene in Nepal. I am delighted to be working with Celia Washington.”

Sangeeta Thapa is founder and director of the Siddhartha Art Gallery in Kathmandu, and for twenty years she has been actively involved in the promotion of contemporary art in Nepal. She has curated over 300 art shows of Nepali and international artists at Siddhartha Art Gallery. She co-ordinates workshops by visiting international artists with Nepali artists and students, and has conducted Community Art Projects. She works as a consultant for collectors of Nepalese Art and has won awards such as the Annapurna Award Celebrating Womanhood Navadevi Award 2006 (jointly presented by Ministry for Women and Social Welfare and Creative Statements for contribution in the field of arts), and the Best Gallery of the Year Award 2005 (presented by the Artist’s Society of Nepal). She is also an art columnist for VOW magazine and for Nukta Art Journal, which is published in Pakistan. Sangeeta Thapa has recently been nominated onto the board of Patan Museum. www.siddharthaartgallery.com
Celia Washington
“In 2006 I spent seven months as artist in residence at Kathmandu University. I was impressed by the creativity and determination of a newer, younger generation of artists despite their difficulties and felt their voice deserved to be heard by the outside world. I wanted to help and began collecting books to expand the University Art Library. UK friends generously donated over 800 books which, with the support of the British Council, arrived in Nepal in October 2006. Over the next few months in discussion with Nepali artists the proposal for the KAC began to evolve. Then I met Sangeeta Thapa, of the Siddhartha Art Gallery, Kathmandu and we discovered that we shared the same vision. I am excited to be involved with her on such an extraordinary and ground-breaking project.”

Celia Washington is a practising artist based between London and Kathmandu. After a nomadic childhood, she studied painting at the Byam Shaw Art School in London 1977-81 (BA). Since then she has lived and worked in Florence, Edinburgh, Paris, Tokyo, Madrid, London and Kathmandu - painting, printing and looking. In 2006 she became Artist in Residence at Kathmandu University. www.celiawashington.com

KATHMANDU CONTEMPORARY ART CENTRE

inspiring tomorrow

Reg. UK Charity No.1121118 © KAC 2009