Kathmandu
A painting sold in Kathmandu this week could mean food, shelter or clean water for a flood-hit family elsewhere in Nepal. That is the idea behind two new gallery initiatives raising funds for flood victims through art sales.
The catastrophic August 26 flash flood that swept through the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors devastated communities across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading, claiming lives, destroying homes, and severing vital infrastructure. As emergency operations continue across affected districts, artists have joined relief initiatives.
Gallery 108, located at Durbar Marg, launched the initiative 'Art Can Do More', inviting artists to donate their work for exhibition/ sale, with all proceeds going to the Prime Minister's Disaster Relief Fund. The gallery currently has around 20 artworks, priced between Rs 6,000 and Rs 50,000, and has raised approximately Rs 200,000 to Rs 300,000 so far. New
pieces are being added daily.
According to Sugat Ratna Shakya, Founder of Gallery 108, once a work sells, the gallery deposits the same amount directly into the relief fund. Buyers do not need to be in Kathmandu to take part. Unsold works will remain on display until November 30, after which they will be returned to the artists.
"The idea behind 'Art Can Do More' is rooted in the belief that art is more than aesthetics, decoration, reflection, or collection," Shakya said. "Art has always touched human lives, carried meaning, created connection, and brought people together.
With this initiative, we seek to show how art and artists can come together as a powerful instrument of compassion, solidarity, and relief - turning creativity into tangible support for those who need it most."
The Kalā Salon, in Chhaya Center, Thamel, has since taken up a similar initiative. It began after Sri Lankan artist Dr Manoranjana Herath Bandera donated his work, with the aim that all proceeds go to the relief fund. Artist Jenny Dangol later donated two more pieces.
Sophia L Pande, Founding Director of The Kalā Salon, said the gallery has raised Rs 20,000 since starting on August 31. As with Gallery 108, every sale comes with a transfer receipt so buyers can confirm their donation reached the relief fund.
"We were trying to find a way to contribute, and Sugat Shakya had this wonderful, generous idea, and then Dr Herath generously donated his work," Pande added.
Both galleries said they hope more people and organisations will join similar efforts. "Our intention is pure - to help," Shakya said. "When people join hands to work together to achieve the same goal, we are humbled and glad. The more the better."
For those who cannot buy art right now, the galleries suggested other ways to help: sharing the cause, donating artworks, or supporting a trusted relief organisation directly. The Kalā Salon added that in-kind donations - food, clothes, rations, solar panels and tarpaulins - are especially useful at this stage. Pande also cautioned against sending money to personal accounts. "One has to make sure the organisation is legitimate and the efforts are real," she said.
To take part in this initiative: Gallery 108 can be reached by phone, email or Instagram at @gallery108_nepal. The Kalā Salon can be reached via Instagram at @thekalasalon or on their WhatsApp.