The Nepal Project

In 2015, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Nepal, followed by hundreds of aftershocks that have led to physical destruction, loss, and negative mental health outcomes. Yet, in the days, months, and years following the disaster, numerous forms of community art rose from the rubble, such as urban murals, spoken-word poetry, public dance performances, and sacred art. In this creative project, we explored the relationship between community art and health in post-earthquake Nepal. We utilized photography to capture a range of unique artworks that were created in the aftermath of the earthquakes and conducted in-depth interviews with artists and experts, including art therapists and gallery owners. The project artworks ranged from contemporary urban murals to Buddhist ritual dance and reflected the unique combination of the traditional and contemporary necessary for salvaging and restoring Nepali heritage.

Findings revealed three key themes regarding linkages between art and mental health in the context of post-earthquake Nepal. First, community art offers relief and can be used as a mechanism for coping, through the creation or observation of art. Second, community art can be used as a means of communication, both as a tool for promoting connections and conversations in the community and by communicating messages of hope. Third, community art can promote community cohesion and ultimately serve as a tool to create physical and emotional safe spaces. Overall, there is promise for engaging artists and communities in arts-based initiatives following traumatic events, such as natural disasters, to positively impact health.

Research Paper

We are pleased to share that the findings from our study on the relationship between community art and mental health in post-disaster Nepal are published open-access for all to read in the special supplement “Arts and Public Health,” published by Health Promotion Practice. Click the “read more” button below to download and read the full scientific article.

Virtual Gallery

We invite you to interact with the artworks captured in this project by visiting our virtual art gallery. The gallery will take on a virtual journey through a range of photographs, videos, and sound recordings of the artworks featured in this project.

Map

Check out our map of featured artworks, which you can use for a self-guided tour of community art in the Kathmandu valley. We hope you will use the map to visit the amazing art works and galleries in person.