“Together we will create brave space // Because there is no such thing as a “safe space” // We exist in the real world // We all carry scars and we have all caused wounds. // In this space // We seek to turn down the volume of the outside world // We amplify voices that fight to be heard elsewhere // We call each other to more truth and love // We have the right to start somewhere and continue to grow. // We have the responsibility to examine what we think we know. // We will not be perfect. // This space will not be perfect. // It will not always be what we wish it to be // But it will be our brave space together and we will work on it side by side.” – Micky ScottBey Jones

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, we renovated multiple 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. Our current five buildings 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 spaces 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 brave environment to present any kind of contemporary art and express criticism by providing solidarity and empowerment. We value the vibe of an accepting and supportive 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 anyone 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 predominantly Nepali (but also international) community, gives us fertile ground to continually learn, unlearn, and relearn from each other and the space around us.