Kaalo

At Kaalo.101, we aim to create a socially conscious, completely independent creative space that uses art to uplift emerging Nepali artists while engaging with our surrounding physical, social and cultural environment through an accessible, communicative and collaborative exchange. During our journey on the “black train”, we renovated four traditional Newa houses in Patan DIY-style into exhibition spaces, residencies, studios and libraries, where we continuously explore intentional and sustainable co-creating and -existence. These spaces are used for a permanent multimedia urban art collection, exhibitions, workshops, mentorships, concerts, reading circles, discussions and experimental artist- and community-led projects. However, we go beyond Kaalo.101’s walls to facilitate art festivals (for example in collaboration with MicroGalleries and POW!WOW!Worldwide), as well as exhibits in abandoned homes and hidden courtyards around Patan. Kaalo.101 is not only a physical space but also a safe and comfortable home for our diverse and transcultural family of versatile artists and activists. We support people with questions and aim to offer a safe environment to present any kind of contemporary art and express criticism by providing solidarity and empowerment. We value the vibe of an accepting and supporting family and don’t try to fit anybody’s ideas about art and society, but explore our own possibilities, values, beliefs and non-hierarchical coexistence. We encourage individuality and empower people to go beyond what they expect is possible ⁠— we aren’t just an art space but a living, breathing house that aims to make art accessible by challenging capitalism, hierarchies and ideas such as the colonial white cube: We aim to offer a potential form of expression for anybody without taking elitist art narratives and gatekeeping into account. Our house, the art in it and the connected community try to relate Nepal’s cultures, histories and heritage with contemporary perspectives to share experimental works and thoughts that connect to both contexts. This juxtaposition of our physical and cultural setting with contemporary, critical and progressive approaches, alongside our majorly Nepali (but as well international) community, gives us fertile ground to continually learn, unlearn and relearn from each other and the space around us.