Nepal Academy of Fine Arts and Siddhartha Arts Foundation have signed a historic memorandum of understanding for collaborative efforts on the upcoming fifth edition of the Kathmandu Triennale. The MoU was signed at Sita Bhawan in Naxal, Kathmandu on Wednesday amid the presence of eminent artists, gallery owners, curators, mediapersons, students and art enthusiasts.

Kathmandu Triennale, which originated as the Kathmandu International Art Festival in 2009, features contemporary art from around the globe. The event evolved into a Triennale in 2017, with a focus on the city as a creative hub. The event’s previous edition, held in 2022, revolved around themes of decolonisation, migration and displacement. The upcoming iteration of the event will be themed ‘Coexistence’, organisers said.

“In the face of ongoing struggles such as war, conflict, and climate change, we need a unifying thread,” Sujan Chitrakar, artistic director of the Triennale, said, explaining the rationale behind the theme. “We hope that the theme of ‘Coexistence’ will inspire us to embrace diverse ways of relating and living, both as a society and as individuals engaged in mutual responsibility.”

Chitrakar also emphasised the need to develop a unique operating model for the Triennale, tailored to the context of Nepal.

Speaking at the event, Sangeeta Thapa, founder and chair of the Triennale, expressed gratitude for NAFA’s involvement as the premier national partner. Thapa said she is confident that with the support of various stakeholders, the upcoming edition of the event would be inclusive and successful. She also urged the younger generation to take a leading role in uplifting the Nepali art community.

Meanwhile, Naradmani Hartamchhali, chancellor of the Academy, stressed the importance of combining emotions with reason and conscience to bring about structural and functional changes for the project’s success. He also highlighted the significance of collaboration between public and private institutions, advocating for the ‘Research, Creation and Respect’ principle to make the Triennale a project of national pride.

The upcoming edition of the Triennale, slated for 2026, will feature various events, residency programmes, seminars and workshops across multiple art venues in the Valley. Notable features include a show by elected curators, focusing on showcasing a comprehensive narrative of Nepali art and its history, and a ‘Student Triennale’ as a major event.

Organisers said they seek to generate finances for the event through a basket fund, aiming for transparency, inclusivity and sustainability.

Devendra Thumkeli, member secretary of the Academy, said that the agreement with Siddhartha Art Foundation will establish the Triennale as an institution. NAFA intends to collaborate with government bodies at different levels—central, provincial and local—to extend the reach of the Kathmandu Triennale, making it accessible to a broader audience, he said.