The third edition of the mega art festival, Kathmandu Triennale, commenced with a function held at the Hyatt Regency in the Capital on Friday. Organised jointly by Siddhartha Arts Foundation and Belgium-based SMAK (the Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art), the festival was inaugurated jointly by senior artist Uttam Nepali and ambassador of European Union to Nepal, Rensje Tserink. 

The festival features works by 70 artists from 26 countries, which will be exhibited concurrently in eight venues around the Valley, over the course of 17 days. This edition of the fest has been themed “My City, My Studio / My City, My Life.”

The opening ceremony, on Friday, began with the screening of the short film Shifting Valley. The film, according to its director, Kishor Kayastha, “showcases an artist’s response to the consequence of the earthquake.” Speaking at the opening ceremony, chairperson of the festival, Sangeeta Thapa, introducing the festival, said, “Kathmandu Triennale is dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives in the earthquakes. It is also a cultural assertion: That art must go on, that life must go on.”

The fest’s curator, Philippe Van Cauteren, who is the director of co-organisers SMAK, said, “Art is a necessity. It is one of the core elements and core points of the city.”

The first day of the fest also featured performance arts pieces by Ashmina Ranjit, Prithvi Shrestha, Marie Julia Bollanse, Pinky and Song Dong; a traditional music 

concert; and a traditional Newar bhoj at Itumbahal. 

The festival will take place at eight venues around the city—Nepali Arts Council; Tara Gaon Museum; Siddhartha Art Gallery; Park Gallery; Patan Museum; Tangalwood; Nepal Tourism Board; and Newa Chen Art Gallery—till April 9. 

This is the third edition of the festival, which was first held in 2009; the fest was previously known as Kathmandu International Arts Festival.