Kaalo.101 (EkSeyEk), makes revolutionary ideas accessible through art and support people to turn these ideas into actions. They are an all femme-/queer-run space that creates an entirely independent creative environment that empowers artists to make socially conscious and consciousness-raising work engaging with the physical, social, and cultural context and the communities around them. During their journey, they renovated multiple traditional Newa houses DIY-style into exhibition spaces, residencies, studios, and libraries, where they continuously explore intentional and sustainable co-creating and -existence. Their current five buildings are used for a permanent art display, exhibitions, workshops, mentorships, concerts, reading circles, discussions, and experimental artist- and community-led projects. And Kaalo.101 facilitates art festivals with collaborators like MicroGalleries and POW!WOW!Worldwide, as well as exhibits in abandoned spaces and hidden courtyards around Kathmandu Valley.

Kaalo.101 is not only a physical space but also a safe-brave thinking and creative ecosystem for a diverse and transcultural family of versatile artists and activists. They support risk-taking artists to explore complex and challenging social issues and offer a nurturing environment to express criticism by building community and resources. They don’t try to fit into anybody’s ideas about art and society but explore possibilities, values, beliefs, and non-hierarchical coexistence without limitations.

Their house, the art in it, and their connection with the wider community relate to Nepal’s cultures, histories, and heritage with contemporary perspectives to share ideas and thoughts around identity, expression, and power dynamics that connect to both the art and social context. This connection of their physical and cultural setting with contemporary, critical, and progressive approaches provides fertile ground to continually learn, unlearn, and relearn from each other and the people around them.