Kala Yatra Artist Collective

Overview

Co-founded by Berlin-based Nepalese artists Raju GC and Sajana Joshi, Kala Yatra (कला यात्रा – meaning “Art Journey”) is an artist-run, non-profit collective, residency program, and cultural platform operating between Berlin, Germany, and Kathmandu (Imadol, Mahalaxmi), Nepal. Situated in a peaceful district near Kathmandu’s Ring Road and major heritage sites, Kala Yatra functions as a space for “in-betweenness,” facilitating process-based artistic research into the cultural, historical, and socio-political landscapes of Nepal.

Mission

Kala Yatra aims to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion by creating a supportive platform for underrepresented artists and cross-border, cross-disciplinary collaboration. Grounded in a non-productive, non-institutional ethos, the collective permits creators to work without strict deadlines or commercial expectations. By linking local Nepalese heritage with global contemporary practices, Kala Yatra seeks to foster open dialogue, skill-sharing, and community engagement that drives meaningful social transformation.

Programs / Opportunities

• Kathmandu Artist Residency Program: Self-funded, flexible residency stays in Imadol for international and local creators, providing shared kitchen and studio access, mentorship, open studio presentations, and local network introductions.
• Resident Mentorship & Field Research: Specialized guidance in traditional Nepalese folk music, oral histories, and indigenous instruments (such as the paluwa) led by resident mentor Shiva Kumar Khatri (member of the folk group Night).
• Workshops & Skill-Sharing Events: Community-focused workshops, open dialogues, and educational outreach programs designed to engage local audiences and art appreciators across Kathmandu.
• Exhibitions & Partner Collaborations: Facilitated presentations, partner institution exhibitions, gallery tours, and grant support letters for selected resident artists.

Target Community

• Multidisciplinary Artists & Researchers: Visual artists, painters, sculptors, ceramists, printmakers, performers, musicians, writers, filmmakers, architects, new media artists, curators, and art critics worldwide.