Culture

The Himalaya has a rich cultural heritage and a wealth of traditional art forms, providing deep insights into the philosophies that influence life in the region. The AHF Himalayan Art Award provides support for emerging artists who would otherwise struggle to find the resources to express their talent.

Background

AHF Himalayan Art Award

The Himalayan Art Award was established in December 2008 by Margie Thomas. Margie was keen to create the award in memory of renowned travel artist Murray Zanoni, who visited and sketched in the Himalaya throughout his life. The award was a way to honour Murray and his wish to support young, struggling Himalayan artists. The inaugural award was provided by Murray’s estate in honour of his legacy.

AHF established a relationship with Sangeeta Thapa of Siddhartha Art Gallery in Kathmandu. As owner and curator, Sangeeta is close to the Nepalese art scene. With Sangeeta’s help, one or two young Nepalese artists have been chosen on average every two years to take part in the project. The program has been an outstanding success in encouraging contemporary artists in Nepal to flourish. Learn more below about the incredible artists who have launched careers after winning.

Himalayan Art Award: In conversation with Founder Margie Thomas

Born from a deeply personal tribute and brought to life in partnership with the Siddhartha Art Gallery, the AHF Himalayan Art Award has become a prestigious and transformative force in Nepal’s art scene. Margie Thomas, the award’s creator shares the story behind its founding, the impact it’s had on artists’ lives and why she believes cultural expression is one of the most powerful legacies we can preserve.

A group of nine adults standing outdoors at a Kathmandu art gallery against a brick wall, posing for a photo.

Past Himalayan Art Award recipients

Bivas Rai

Visual Artist, Winner 2025
Bivas Rai is a visual artist and illustrator whose layered, narrative-driven works explore themes of resilience, mythology, and cultural identity. He blends traditional techniques with contemporary ideas to reimagine timeless stories for modern audiences.
Tashi Lama

Visual Artist, Winner 2024
Tashi, a member of Aakrit Collective, is currently presenting his debut solo exhibition Tana-Bana – Weaving Every Breath at Siddhartha Art Gallery in Kathmandu.
Muna Bhadel

Visual Artist, Winner 2022
Muna's 2024 exhibition Silent Whispers showcased a powerful collection of paintings and drawings that explore the intricate realms of emotion, psychology, social dynamics and the struggles faced by women in a deeply patriarchal society.
Bidyhaman Tamang

Printmaker, Winner 2019
Born in Ramechhap, Bidyhaman is among generations of Nepalis uprooted from their villages. His work visually reflects childhood memories, infused with nostalgia and a deep appreciation for the landscapes of Ramechhap from decades past.
Bidhata K.C

Visual Artist, Winner 2018
Since winning the 2018 Himalayan Art Award, Bidhata has held solo exhibitions, participated in numerous international residencies and received awards for her work.
Manish Lal Shrestha

Visual Artist, Winner 2018
Manish has gone on to showcase his work in solo exhibitions, participate in numerous international residencies and earn awards for his artistic contributions.
Shraddha Shrestha

Visual Artist & Illustrator, Winner 2016
Since her win, Shraddha has designed a limited edition collection of artist t-shirts for Kathmandu Outdoors’ 30th anniversary in 2017.
Kiran Maharjan

Visual Artist, Winner 2016
Kiran has actively participated in various arts festivals and residencies since winning the AHF Himalayan Art Award in 2016.
Surendra Maharjan

Printmaker, Winner 2014
Surendra has taken part in several national exhibitions in Nepal and works as an illustrator for Books for Change.
Saurganga Darshandhari

Winner 2014
Saurganga has showcased her work in various residencies and is a proud recipient of the Shakti Art by Women Award.
Sujan Dangol

Visual Artist, Winner 2013
Sujan has gone on to participate in several international residencies and art events.
Anil Shahi

Visual Artist, Winner 2013
Since his win, Anil has taken on a teaching role at the Kathmandu University Centre for Art and Design.
Pasang Lama

Photographer & Gallerist, Winner 2013
Pasang was a winner of the 2013 AHF Himalayan Art Award.
Laxman Karmacharya

Visual Artist, Winner 2011
Laxman has become actively involved in creating murals with the Devotee Art Group since winning the AHF Himalayan Art Award.
Hitman Gurung

Visual Artist, Winner 2011
Hitman has showcased his work in prestigious exhibitions both nationally and internationally.
Sushma Shakya

Visual Artist, Winner 2010
Since her win, Sushma has taught art at Trinity International College and participated in both local and international artist residencies.
Kailash Shrestha

Visual Artist, Winner 2010
Kailash went on to found the art collective ARTUDIO and was appointed the Leading Artist from Nepal for the British Council’s Rivers of the World Project.

“As a recipient of the Australian Himalayan Foundation award, I must say it was an immense help for achieving my ideas and visions. The liberty to do whatever I wanted and have the capacity to just focus on art making was immense. The award has helped me reach a wider audience with my art and was a great boost for my art career.”

— Kiran Maharjan
“I felt the freshness in the AHF award exhibition. I could relate more with the recipients and their process of working. I loved how AHF was highlighting the up and coming artists within the art community and I enjoyed checking out the AHF shows at the Siddhartha Art Gallery. It is almost a one of a kind award at the moment in the city so it is very important for the receivers and the audience.”

— Manish Lal Shrestha
“Like every other award, this award definitely gave me encouragement to further my art practice with creativity and dedication. There is no doubt that this award pushed me a step further to do my best. I was totally satisfied to hear the wonderful feedback of my works in both exhibitions and I still feel that these 2 exhibitions which I did under this Award were one of the best of my works.”

— Bidhata K.C.

A man walks through a gallery of paintings made during and art relief therapy session after the Nepal earthquake in 2015

Art therapy

Earthquake relief

In 2015 the Himalayan Art Award winners traveled to the Solukhumbu to aid in earthquake relief efforts, supported by the Australian Himalayan Foundation and REED Nepal. The artists dedicated their time to conducting art therapy sessions for children at MehandraJyoti Secondary School in Chaurikharka.

Siddhartha Art Gallery

Local partner

Siddhartha Art Gallery was founded on September 27, 1987, in Kathmandu, Nepal, by art patron Sangeeta Thapa and internationally acclaimed artist Shashikala Tiwari. Established as a contemporary art space, it serves as a hub for both national and international artists. Sangeeta also plays a key role in nominating recipients for the Himalayan Art Award and showcasing their work through exhibitions at the gallery.