The cofounders of QC, an independent bookshop in Pulchowk of Patan, Suvani Singh and Pranab Man Singh, got together in March 2009 to organize an exhibition of paintings by artist Samjhana Rajbhandari Amatya. The show titled “Trees: Artifact of Nature” was a unique outdoor exhibit that allowed the viewers to interact with the works of art.
“We hung paintings on trees and asked the viewers to find them in the dark,” says Suvani, showing the torchlight that was provided to each participant. “While it wasn’t our intention, the event itself became a commentary on the then heavy load-shedding schedules.”
The show was a success, but Suvani’s and Pranab’s hopes of recovering their expenditure from the sale of paintings didn’t go as planned.
“The bookshop ended up bearing all the costs for renting gallery spaces and buying materials, and it was a hefty sum,” says Pranab and adds, “It was then we came up with the idea of creating a group to financially support future art exhibits.”
QC’s Patron of the Arts was officially launched at the beginning of August.
“We’re looking for likeminded individuals who understand the economical, cultural and social importance of art, and who would like to promote the arts in Nepal,” states Suvani. “Members of the group will contribute by helping to pay for the costs of an exhibit. The more members we have, the less financial burden there will be on each member.”
Though the minimum amount that is expected from a member is Rs 500, Rs 1,000 is recommended, and any amount above that is always welcome. Patrons who contribute high amounts will receive a print of the artist’s work as a gift.
“Anyone can become a member, but of course, we expect monetary contributions, and therefore, volunteers can’t become patrons,” informs Pranab.
The group has seven members at the moment.
A patron will have the privilege of being on the review committee, along with two members from QC, and an artist, to choose a potential artist for their next show.
“The kind of artist that we’re looking to promote isn’t specific to any style or medium, but we’re looking for creativity and uniqueness,” states Suvani. “For example, our ongoing second show is an installation art exhibit by Binod Shrestha, which goes beyond the boundaries of a gallery setting.”
The chosen artist will not have to bear any costs of the required materials, and is fully sponsored by the group.
“As Patron of the Arts, our bigger goal is to encourage people to buy artworks of local artists, and to also lobby for changes in tax laws in order to push private investment in art,” says Pranab. “The development of local art market is crucial in Nepal to support its contemporary artists.”
In the future, Suvani Singh, 28, and Pranab Man Singh, 27, hope that Patron of the Arts will become a separate entity of its own, and not a part of Quixote’s Cove.
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