Nepali art, culture help boost tourism: Minister Kirati

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Dec. 16: Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Sudan Kirati, has stressed the need for capitalising the opportunity to link Nepali culture, tradition and art in social practice with tourism.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 15th Academic Council meeting of the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts on Friday, Minister Kirati stressed integration of Nepal’s vibrant cultural practices and artisanal heritage into tourism and employment initiatives.

Minister Kirati highlighted that while other countries have progressed significantly in terms of physical development and technology, Nepal can uniquely attract tourists by showcasing the diverse cultures, arts, clothing and dances revered by various |

ethnic groups. He highlighted the potential for extending tourists’ stay by offering a rich cultural experience in various parts of the country. 

Stating that Nepal is a country with a diverse array of castes, each boasting its unique art and culture, Minister Karati said that if these artistic and cultural elements were effectively integrated into business ventures, the Nepali art sector could achieve sustainability.

The Chancellor of the Academy, Naradamani Hartamchhali, said that the 15th Academic Council meeting themed ‘Nepal Fine Arts Academy, Creation, Research, and Respect’ would involve extensive discussions on the Academy’s future plans and programmes .  Lalkaji Lama, the Vice Chancellor, expressed the Academy’s commitment to fostering connections between education, tourism, and the economy through seminars and training in various arts for the development and promotion of fine arts.

As part of the future programme plans, Lama discussed initiatives such as transforming Sita Bhawan in Naxal into an international-level museum and establishing ceramic and thangka hubs in different locations across Nepal.

Ragini Upadhyay, the former Chancellor of the Academy, proposed the inclusion of fine arts in the curriculum as a compulsory subject, suggesting that this could lead to job creation and inspire 

aspiring artists.