KATHMANDU

The 39^th series of ‘Kalaka Kura’ organized by Nepal Fine Arts Journalists' Society (SOFAJ), held virtually on Thursday. The topic for discussion was ‘Status and Challenges of Art Education.’

Sujan Chitrakar, Associate Professor at Kathmandu University’s School of Art, Center for Art and Design and Dr Ramesh Pokharel, Head, Fine Arts Campus, Tribhuvan University were invited for the discussion, moderated by Devendra Thumkeli, General Secretary of the Society.

Both of them stressed on the need to make art education technology friendly in Nepal as per the need of current time. Likewise, they shared their views on the current state of art education in Nepal, its challenges and future action plans.

In the discussion session, Dr Pokharel said, "The lockdown caused by the corona virus has made the teaching of art very challenging. As it is a practical subject, we are discussing how to teach it online and through other means.” Stating that the subject of original art and culture should be included in the curriculum in Nepal in the coming days, Dr Pokhrel said that the central, state and local governments should bring programs in the university keeping in mind the importance of art. He said that all the universities opened in Nepal should teach art subjects.

Moreover, Chitrakar said that art education in Nepal should be made simple and efficient without making it complicated. He expressed the view that art education should be made easy and practical without making it as complicated as before. Chitrakar said that Kathmandu University has given more emphasis on South Asian art and various styles and genres of Nepali art. He added that the curriculum should be based on various aspects of art based on Western and Eastern beliefs.

Chairman Keshav Raj Khanal said that the society started the debate at a time when there was not much debate on art education in Nepal. He said that the implementation of art education at the school level would help in the preservation of Nepal's original culture and heritage.