OUR HISTORY – Artudio

contemporary
art center

Artudio, the Center for Contemporary Visual Arts, stands as a dynamic and pioneering art collective and platform at the forefront of Nepal’s cutting-edge contemporary art scene. Founded by visionary artist Kailash K Shrestha in 2010, this revolutionary space catalyzes transformative art practices, daring curatorial initiatives, groundbreaking exhibitions, residencies, and innovative education programs. Having Parallel discussions of eastern and western-centric perspectives, Artudio initiates a profound discourse, unveiling overlooked intricacies and diverse narratives. Embracing sustainability, it nurtures socially engaged art, forging interconnected art communities. Beyond just traditional exhibitions, it fosters interdisciplinary networks, transcending boundaries and sparking critical dialogues. A hub for interdisciplinary practitioners, Artudio reshapes Nepal’s contemporary artistic landscape, driving social engagement and creating a vibrant art community.

A Collective Community of Artists

History of Artudio

For over 16 years, we have stood tall as one of the leading contemporary art collectives and an institutions, shaping new generations of artists and the contemporary art of today.

Artudio began its journey in 2009 as a small, cozy personal studio space belonging to artist Kailash K Shrestha in Jyatha Thamel, following his recognition with the Australian Himalayan Foundation’s Young Artist Award in 2008. From the outset, Kailash recognized the profound significance of creating a nurturing environment for artists—a sanctuary where creativity could flourish and individuals could grow. He envisioned a collaborative space where artists could come together, inspire one another, and foster collective growth.

In 2010, this personal studio evolved into a vibrant collective dedicated to shaping the next generation of artists. With an expanded mission, Artudio relocated to Lazimpat, where it cultivated a dynamic environment for sharing and engaging through a variety of programs, including meetups, workshops, and public art initiatives. These programs honored the rich Eastern history of socially embedded art practices while transforming them within a contemporary context, facilitating critical dialogues through street and community art, along with exhibitions, workshops and talks that encouraged discussions bridging the gaps between artists and audiences.

Our Main Space
On the lap of Swoyambhu Mahachaitya

In 2012, Artudio took another significant step by moving to Lazimpat, and later, in 2014, it found its home in Swoyambhu on Chhauni Hospital Road. This building has become a vibrant art hub, functioning as a sanctuary for contemporary art. It houses artist residency programs for both national and international talents but including a café, studios, and a gallery, all under one roof.

With each passing year, Artudio has blossomed into a dynamic ecosystem of contemporary art practices, initiatives and art educational programs, inspiring individuals both locally and globally. Our space is alive with events, exhibitions, and collaborations that ignite passion and foster connections among artists, art lovers, and the community at large not within the country but internationally. Together, we continue to champion the transformative power of art, placing Nepal at the center and creating a lasting impact as a contemporary global cultural hub.

Artudio – Patan Wing
In the heart of Patan, City of Fine Art

The Artudio Patan Wing is a community-oriented extension of Artudio situated in the heart of Patan, the historic City of Fine Art. It operates as a platform for national and international artists, curators, and cultural practitioners, fostering translocal exchange and critical dialogue within contemporary art discourse. The space supports a program of exhibitions, residencies, workshops, and collaborative initiatives that emphasize process-based practices, knowledge production, and situated engagement with context.

Rooted in accessibility and collective inquiry, the Patan Wing positions itself as a site for shared authorship and cultural production, where diverse artistic methodologies intersect. It strengthens Artudio’s broader commitment to cultivating a dynamic ecosystem for contemporary art practice that is both locally grounded and globally engaged.

Be part of the movement

Get involved

as an artist

We warmly welcome you to our vibrant community in a variety of ways.

as a Patron

We are always open to having you as our patron.

as a supporter

Let's collaborate for our amazing art projects, where you can be a part of us as a supporter.

as member

Join us as a general member at Artudio to gain access to our discounted resources.

Contact

For any inquiries please connect

Artudio- Main Space
Swoyambhu-15, Chhauni Hospital Road,
Kathmandu, Nepal

Artudio - Patan Wing
Nakabahil, Patan,
Lalitpur, Nepal
C:+977-9823490390 M: artudio@hotmail.com
W: www.artudio.net

contemporary
art center

History of Artudio

For over 16 years, we have stood tall as one of the leading contemporary art collectives and an institutions, shaping new generations of artists and the contemporary art of today.

Our Main Space
On the lap of Swoyambhu Mahachaitya