Vision

Introduction

Bikalpa Art Foundation, formerly known as Bikalpa Art Center, is a Non-Profit Organization, a dynamic and visionary platform dedicated to promoting and nurturing the arts. It serves as a bridge between artists, art enthusiasts, and the wider community, fostering a rich tapestry of artistic expression and exchange. Through our initiatives, we aspire to be a catalyst for change, driving innovation and social and cultural evolution. Our vision is to inspire individuals to explore, experiment, and engage with art in meaningful ways and we aim to empower artists to push their boundaries, challenge norms, and create lasting impacts on society. 

We have been actively working in raising awareness and advocacy through artistic expression in different forms of art and nonformal educational programs from its inception period. We have conducted a series of fellowships, international residency programs, art festivals, exhibitions, community art projects, and many dialogues on social, cultural, and civic issues.

History

Bikalpa Art Foundation (BAF), a Non-Profit Organization is a dynamic and visionary platform dedicated to promoting and nurturing the arts. It serves as a bridge between artists, art enthusiasts, and the wider community, fostering a rich tapestry of artistic expression and cultural exchange. Through our initiatives, we aspire to be a catalyst for change, driving innovation and cultural evolution. Our vision is to inspire individuals to explore, experiment, and engage with art in meaningful ways. We aim to empower artists to push their boundaries, challenge norms, and create lasting impacts on society.

After years of groundbreaking work under the name Bikalpa Art Center (BAC) a social enterprise, the Bikalpa Art Foundation (BAF) was established in 2022 as a Non- Profit organization registered with the Nepal government, ministry of Industry. BAC was established in 2013 to promote independent artists and ventures in Kathmandu, The artist couple – educators as well as entrepreneurs -Mr. Saroj Mahato and Mrs. Mahima Singh are the co-founders of the Bikalpa Art Foundation (BAF). The name of the foundation means ‘providing an alternative common platform to people of one mind.

The Co-Founders

Bikalpa Art Center (BAC) was founded by a couple, Saroj Mahato & Mahima Singh Mahato, artists, educators, and entrepreneurs who envisioned creating a common platform and a lively green/ artsy community space where likeminded people could share their knowledge, experience and products.  The couple believes in a self-sustainable echo system which is why every element of Bikalpa is rooted in a self-sustainable mechanism. BAC has been providing platforms and supporting the artistic community along with the local young entrepreneurs in different ways.

Saroj Kushwaha (Mahato) 

Mahima Singh

Saroj Kushwaha's career thrives at the intersection of artistic passion and cultural leadership. Since 2009, he has honed his filmmaking skills with an MFA from Korea's prestigious KARTS and the Asian Film Academy, Busan International Film Festival. Saroj's passion for nurturing creativity extends beyond his own practice.  For five years (2012-2017), He has also shared his knowledge as a new media lecturer at Tribhuvan University, inspiring future generations.

Currently, Saroj champions Nepal's cultural scene as a Cultural & Creative Industry Coordinator at UNESCO, Kathmandu office.  He spearheaded Kathmandu's successful bid for UNESCO's Creative Cities Network as a City of Film (2023).  His leadership extends to curating “ResiliArt Dialogues,” empowering artists post-pandemic.

Saroj's dedication goes beyond his UNESCO role.  As co-founder and director of Bikalpa Art Foundation (since 2014), he's cultivated a thriving platform for emerging Nepali artists through exhibitions, festivals, and residencies.  His dedication to program coordination, communication, and organizing major events has positioned Bikalpa as a vibrant cultural hub in Kathmandu.

Mahima is an artist and art educator who is a multidisciplinary creative dedicated to challenging societal norms through visual and performance art. Holding a Master’s in 'Fine Arts' with a full scholarship from Korea National University of Arts, as well as degrees in 'Applied Buddhism' and 'Museology and Buddhist Art' from Lumbini Buddhist University, her academic background spans diverse disciplines, offering profound insights into the relationship between art and society.

Informed by the academic knowledge of 'Applied Buddhism, her works center on impermanence, the power of the mind, and a minimalistic lifestyle. Interactive installations blur the line between artist and audience, inviting contemplation on these themes.

Degrees in Museology and Buddhist Art have equipped the artist to leverage the power of education and challenge societal norms through museum education. With a commitment to social change, Mahima utilizes her talent to illuminate critical issues, provoke thought, and inspire action. Driven by a desire for social change, Mahima's practice revolves around the convergence of visual arts, education, and spirituality.

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