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THE COFOUNDERS

Bikalpa Art Center (BAC) founded by a couple, Saroj Mahato & Mahima Singh Mahato, artists, educator and entrepreneur who envisioned creating a common platform and a lively green/ artsy community space where likeminded people could share their knowledge, experience and products.  The couple believes in a self-sustainable echo system that is why every element of Bikalpa is rooted in a self-sustainable mechanism. BAC has been providing platforms and supporting the artistic community along with the local young entrepreneurs in different ways.

ABOUT THE STORE

Bikalpa Art Center introduces an online/ physical store that aims to create an extensive platform for Nepali artists and artisans. The main purpose of the store is to create a narrative and promote Nepali Contemporary Art, Culture and Lifestyle to the wider audience and market around the world. The Bikalpa Store will bring together and promote a wide range of art and craft works from different communities and regions across the country.

We believe that the Bikalpa Store will play a catalyst role beyond an online/ physical store in bringing social cohesion, fostering democratic values, freedom of expression, solidarity and respect of all human dignity.
The store also features products designed and made by artists/ designers at BAC Designer’s Studio

In its very initial phase, the Bikalpa Store will feature three categories products i) different forms of Nepali contemporary art ii) custom design products designed, and made by local artisans and iii) some ethical sustainable local accessories and green products. 

If you like the works that we are doing, please buy a piece of artwork or any kind of products listed on our website. If you live in Nepal we would be happy to welcome you to the store with an offer of organic coffee.

HISTORY OF BIKALPA

The idea of an alternative art space, a community hub the Bikalpa Art Center (BAC) was seeded in 2010 by the couple, Saroj Mahato & Mahima Singh Mahato, while they were studying art in South Korea. The idea came into a realization strongly and materialized into a real form in 2013 when they got back in Kathmandu after their study. It took place in Jhamsikhel in its initial period of time and started with the integration of an art cafe and gallery. It started with residency programs, exhibitions and few other activities.

A year later, in 2014 BAC moved to Pulchowk in a bigger and better place. It started there as a full-fledged Center as it was visioned by the founders. Since then, the BAC dynamically has been running with its full programs and activities. Today, Bikalpa has become a milestone and known as a real alternative platform for artists, entrepreneurs, social enterprises, startups, and the international artistic community. 

Bikalpa is an artsy ecological, environment-friendly green sustainable social entity that runs with the notion to help and support the local echo system with a self-sustainable mechanism! And yes, it is a 99% plastic-free zone! As Bikalpa is an independent and self-sustainable entity, it has created a wide range of elements that have been introduced to establish an echo system among which some function at a commercial level whereas the others are absolutely not motivated by profit.

BIKALPA'S DEPARTMENTS

Bikalpa Art Center (BAC)

Bikalpa Art Center, an alternative and vibrant place in Kathmandu. A place to share experiences where art and business collide in a great atmosphere. BAC caters local as well as the international artistic community with it’s various programs and activities from curating an art exhibition to organizing a big trade market. Artists in Residence Program, Trans Studio Project, Pop up series Exhibitions are well-received regular programs. It also organizes various workshops and training. BAC is also known for a popular event venue in Kathmandu.

All the programs and activities can be found on it’s official website HERE!
Bikalpa Green Market, Tiny Stage & Bikalpa Store are separate independent projects

Bikalpa Art Cafe & Bar

Bikalpa Art Cafe & Bar is perceived as a green, ecological, funky hangout for pub grub & beer! Yes, it has become one of the coolest cafes in the town. It is also known as the Bikalpa Beer Garden. It organizes various social events like live band performance, standup comedy, slam poetry, etc. 

At the cafe, health and environment are the key elements and they are always on the top priority list. There are also Vegan & Gluten-Free options available on the menu. The interior/ exterior, furniture, physical structures are designed and up-cycled (built) by in house designers/ artists and yes we are 99% plastic-free zone!

Visit their website to learn more about their menus, events or just to book a table for dinner! HERE

The Coworking Space & Designers' Studio

The Coworking Space/ Designer Studio is another creative platform for likeminded people where plenty of new ideas are created by working together. The coworking space caters to new startup companies, IT developers, designers, freelancers and digital nomads. 

Since it is within the art center and cafe, the users/ members get plenty of opportunities to enjoy social life, meet new people and get engaged in artistic activities like live music, movie nights, networking meetups, exhibitions and etc.

To learn more about amenities and prices please visit it’s official website HERE

Bikalpa Store

Bikalpa store is an online/ physical store that aims to create an extensive platform for Nepali artists and artisans. The Bikalpa Store promotes a wide range of art and craft works from different communities and regions across the country.

We believe that the Bikalpa Store will play a catalyst role beyond an online/ physical store in bringing social cohesion, fostering democratic values, freedom of expression, solidarity and respect of all human dignity. The store also features products designed and made by artists/ designers at BAC Designer’s Studio.