Community arts and creative volunteers in Kathmandu, Nepal

Details

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  Description

  We are a grassroots community arts space in Kathmandu, Nepal, active since 2010. Over the years, this space has grown into a hub where artists, makers, storytellers, and curious minds come together to share skills, experiment creatively, and build community.
  
  We’ve hosted hundreds of workshops, events, and collaborative projects, from mural painting and documentary screenings to weekly DIY sessions, youth programs, and informal community gatherings. This is not a traditional organization. It’s a living, evolving space shaped by the people who pass through it and contribute their time, energy, and ideas.
  
  The space includes areas for hands-on making, creative gatherings, and small events, as well as shared spaces where people meet, talk, and collaborate. Everything here reflects a belief that creativity should be accessible, participatory, and rooted in everyday community life.
  
  We’re located in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, a lively neighborhood surrounded by cafes, local shops, and cultural activity.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Teaching

  DIY and building projects

  Help around the house

  Help with Computers/ Internet
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  Interests

  

  Videography

  

  Politics / Social justice

  

  Events & social

  

  Architecture

  

  Writing

  

  Photography

  

  Drawing & painting

  

  Carpentry

  

  Art & design

  

  DIY & crafts
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  What You’ll Experience
  Life here is a mix of creative chaos and meaningful tasks. You’ll join film nights, DIY art sessions, workshops, spontaneous gatherings . You’ll connect with artists, educators, and community members from Nepal and around the world.
  
  What You’ll Learn
  You’ll see how a grassroots arts collective runs with little funding but lots of heart. From crafting with kids to organising events, you’ll pick up practical skills and a deeper sense of contemporary Nepali culture.
  
  What We Learn from You
  Whatever you bring: skills, perspectives, energy. From creative techniques to facilitation tips, every Workawayer adds something unique, and we’re always growing because of it.

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  Help

  Workawayers join us as part of a creative, residency-style exchange. You’ll contribute around 25 hours per week (5 hours a day, 5 days a week) in exchange for accommodation and meals, while sharing skills, learning from the community, and taking part in the daily rhythm of a grassroots arts space.
  
  This is a hands-on, participatory experience centered on creative exchange, community activity, and shared responsibility. Support is needed in practical, day-to-day ways that help activities, workshops, and gatherings run smoothly.
  
  Depending on your background and interests, you might help with a mix of the following:
  
  CREATIVE & COMMUNITY SUPPORT
  -Facilitate or assist with workshops (art, craft, photography, storytelling, DIY projects, etc.)
  -Support community events such as film screenings, discussions, readings, or informal gatherings
  -Help prepare spaces for workshops and events (setting up, rearranging, tidying)
  -Support hands-on making activities by organizing tools or assisting with simple builds
  -Contribute creatively to the space through decor, murals, art, or signage
  -Document activities through photos, short videos, or simple storytelling
  -Collaborate on small creative projects such as zines, installations, or pop-up activities
  
  We’ll decide together on one or two main focus areas for your stay.

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  We currently offer one work-trade placement, which includes accommodation inside the community arts space itself.
  
  Work-trade accommodation (One spot only for 1 person or couple):
  You’ll stay in a private room within the space. It’s a simple, freshly renovated room with a double bed, desk, storage, and WiFi. The room can accommodate one or two people. There is a shared bathroom nearby with a hot shower, cleaned daily.
  
  Important to note:
  There is no kitchen access. The room is located right in the heart of the space, just off a small hallway connected to shared activity areas and near where staff and volunteers gather during the day. When workshops or events are happening, there may be noise and movement nearby. Early mornings and evenings are generally much quieter.
  
  This setup is best suited for someone who:
  -Enjoys being fully immersed in community life
  -Doesn’t mind a bit of background activity
  -Is excited to live at the center of a creative, working environment
  
  It is not ideal for someone seeking a lot of privacy, consistent quiet, or the ability to cook independently.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  We have fast wifi and plenty of space around the building, including a Coworking Space.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  My animals / pets

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