Inauguration of a Novel Educational Venture: The Bachelor of Craft and Design in Kathmandu University

Kathmandu, October 15, 2023 - Marking a significant stride in the domain of educational diversification, Kathmandu University (KU) has unveiled a pioneering program in Nepal - the Bachelor of Craft and Design. This innovative venture, housed within KU's School of Art and School of Engineering, commenced on October 12, 2023, and stands as the nation’s first in this unique interdisciplinary field.

Blending Tradition with Contemporary Education

The Vice-Chancellor of Kathmandu University, Prada Bhola Thapa, articulated that while the program does not tread on a path of entirely new concepts, it ingeniously infuses new life into the timeless art crafted by ancestors and communities. The curriculum seeks to amalgamate Raithane art and traditional art, knitting together age-old knowledge and skills with modern design principles, sculpting a four-year journey for the students. The inaugural year has witnessed the enrollment of twenty aspiring students.

Bridging Crafts with Academia: A Strategic Collaboration

The genesis of the teaching of crafts, as highlighted by Minister of Industry, Commerce, Land, and Administration of Bagmati Province, Ramakrishna Chitrakar, during the commencement of classes, has been in strategic collaboration with Nepal Fine Arts Academy. Chitrakar underlined Kathmandu University's significant contribution to the enrichment of the art sector with the initiation of this program. He elaborated that the provincial government has also oriented its priorities towards the flourishing of arts, as exemplified by the introduction of the Handicrafts Bill in the provincial parliament.

Emphasizing the Importance and Future of Fine Arts Education

Chancellor of Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, Naradamani Hartmchali, during the occasion, delineated the inception of a graduation program in craft and design arts as a monumental achievement in the sphere of fine arts. Hartmchali emphasized the paramount importance of imbibing education in traditional arts within academic paradigms, particularly as the foundation gears up to propel forward with a structured action plan dedicated to the development of fine arts.

The alignment of traditional arts education with academic rigor, as exemplified by KU’s new program, not only enshrines the rich artistic heritage of Nepal but also paves the way for future generations to explore, innovate, and expand upon these timeless art forms in a structured, educational environment.