About Us
The Siddhartha Arts Foundation (SAF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing Nepal’s contemporary art scene. Through exhibitions, education, and community engagement, SAF provides a platform for artists, curators, and cultural practitioners to connect, collaborate, and grow. Committed to promoting dialogue between tradition and modernity, SAF continues to strengthen Kathmandu’s position as a vibrant hub for art, culture, and creative exchange.
How It All Started
The Siddhartha Arts Foundation (SAF) was established in 2011 with a mission to promote and develop contemporary art in Nepal through an inclusive, collaborative, and forward-looking approach. It grew out of the longstanding legacy of the Siddhartha Art Gallery, founded in 1987 by Sangeeta Thapa and Shashikala Tiwari as a space for contemporary artistic practice and exchange between Nepali and international artists. The gallery quickly became a hub for experimentation, dialogue, and the introduction of global perspectives to Kathmandu’s art community. Building on this foundation, SAF was created to expand these efforts on a larger institutional scale, fostering opportunities for artists, curators, and scholars while strengthening Nepal’s art infrastructure.
From its inception, SAF envisioned Kathmandu as a cultural hub in South Asia, bridging local and international art practices. The foundation’s initiatives, including the Kathmandu Triennale, workshops, and research programs, aim to nurture creative talent, foster dialogue, and connect Nepal’s contemporary art scene with global networks. By supporting exhibitions, educational outreach, and collaborative projects, SAF continues to play a vital role in shaping Nepal’s cultural landscape.
Our Mission
The Siddhartha Arts Foundation (SAF) is dedicated to fostering a dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable art ecosystem in Nepal. Our mission is to nurture creativity, encourage critical thought, and provide a platform where artists, curators, researchers, and cultural practitioners can connect, collaborate, and grow. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and public engagement, SAF seeks to strengthen the role of art in society — as a medium for dialogue, reflection, and transformation.
We are committed to supporting the development of professional art practices, promoting cross-cultural exchange, and building long-term institutional frameworks that empower the creative community. By bridging contemporary discourse with Nepal’s rich artistic traditions, we aim to cultivate a deeper appreciation of art’s role in shaping identity, culture, and collective consciousness.
Our Vision
We envision a Nepal where art is recognized as a vital force for cultural growth, social progress, and international exchange. The Siddhartha Arts Foundation aspires to establish Kathmandu as a thriving cultural capital of South Asia — a space where local creativity meets global ideas and collaboration leads to innovation.
Our vision extends beyond exhibitions and events; it is about cultivating a society that values creative thinking, inclusivity, and empathy. By supporting artists and cultural professionals, we aim to build a resilient and interconnected art community that represents Nepal on the global stage while continuing to inspire dialogue, awareness, and imagination at home.
Sangeeta Thapa
Founder and Director
Sangeeta Thapa is a pioneering figure in Nepal’s contemporary art scene and the Founder and Director of the Siddhartha Art Gallery, established in 1987 with artist Shashikala Tiwari. Over the past three decades, she has curated more than 600 exhibitions, introducing both Nepali and international artists to diverse audiences and contributing significantly to the country’s evolving art discourse.
In 2011, she founded the Siddhartha Arts Foundation (SAF) to promote Nepal’s visual arts and cultural dialogue on a global scale. She is also the initiator of the Kathmandu International Art Festival (KIAF) and its successor, the Kathmandu Triennale — Nepal’s foremost international art platform, recognized by the Biennale Foundation in Italy.
Her curatorial and organizational work has extended internationally, with exhibitions and collaborations in Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, and India, including Nepal’s participation at the Venice Biennale and the Kochi Biennale.
A poet and writer as well, Thapa has published four volumes of poetry and contributed essays to several art publications. In recognition of her dedication to Nepal’s art and culture, she received the President’s Medal – Kala Sumbardhak Award and the Kala Prabhandak Award from the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts in 2023.
The Kathmandu Triennale is a vital international art platform that brings together artists, curators, and audiences. It fosters cultural exchange, highlights emerging talents, and strengthens the global contemporary art community. It also enhances the country’s cultural prestige by bringing important artistic conversations to the forefront.
Sheema Sharma Shah
Head of Central Department,
Department of Fine Arts
Tribhuvan University
The Kathmandu Triennale bridges Nepal’s traditional and contemporary arts with the global community. It enhances cultural prestige, fosters international collaboration, and positions Nepal as a vibrant creative hub. Its continued organization is essential for advancing national and international artistic dialogue.
Naradamani Hartamchhali
Chancellor
Nepal Academy of Fine Arts
The Siddhartha Arts Foundation has played a meaningful role in shaping Nepal’s contemporary art landscape. Their commitment to supporting artists, fostering dialogue, and creating global exposure is truly inspiring. Working with SAF has been a rewarding experience that continues to expand creative possibilities.
Sagar Manandhar
Head of Department
Department of Art + Design
Kathmandu University
Board of Trustees
The Siddhartha Arts Foundation is guided by a dedicated board of individuals who bring together expertise in the fields of art, culture, education, and management. The board plays a vital role in shaping the foundation’s vision, ensuring transparency, and fostering a supportive environment for Nepal’s creative community.
Our board members provide strategic direction and uphold the foundation’s commitment to promoting contemporary art practices in Nepal and beyond. Their collective experience continues to strengthen the foundation’s position as a leading platform for cultural exchange, research, and artistic innovation.
SANGEETA THAPA
Founder and Director of Siddhartha Art Gallery, Sangeeta Thapa is a pioneering curator and arts advocate recognized for her contribution to developing Nepal’s contemporary art scene and international collaborations.
SANGITA SHRESTHA
Director at Dwarika’s Hotel, Sangita Shrestha has been instrumental in promoting Nepal’s cultural heritage, sustainable hospitality, and the integration of traditional craftsmanship within contemporary spaces.
ASHOKE RANA
As CEO of Himalayan Bank, Ashok Rana is a respected leader in Nepal’s banking sector with decades of experience in finance, corporate management, and strategic institutional growth.
DINESH LAL SHRESTHA
Affiliated with IRRCT, Dinesh Lal Shrestha has long worked in the fields of cultural preservation, research, and community development, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.
SANJEEV UPRETY
A prominent writer, scholar, and professor of English, Sanjeev Uprety is celebrated for his literary works and academic research exploring Nepali identity, philosophy, and socio-cultural narratives.
Supporters
The Siddhartha Arts Foundation gratefully acknowledges the invaluable support of its partners, collaborators, and patrons who make its initiatives possible. Over the years, the foundation has received encouragement from local and international organizations, cultural institutions, embassies, and individuals committed to advancing the arts in Nepal.
Their continued support has been instrumental in realizing projects such as the Kathmandu Triennale and other educational, research, and outreach programs. Together, we work toward strengthening Nepal’s creative ecosystem, fostering cultural exchange, and empowering artists and communities through the transformative power of art.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all who have contributed — through funding, collaboration, and shared vision — toward building a vibrant and inclusive art landscape in Nepal.
