Live and create in our grassroots arts collective in Kathmandu, Nepal

Details

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  Description

  We are a grassroots arts collective in Kathmandu, Nepal. Since 2010 we’ve created space for artists, makers, and curious minds to come together, share skills, and explore creativity. Our small team of staff and interns is joined by a wide community of local volunteers, and together we run workshops, cultural events, and creative programs.
  
  It is home to several unique spaces: a Makerspace for hands-on building and craft, Ctrl-P for zine-making and DIY publishing, a small Art Cafe where people order creative activities instead of food, a coworking space, and a rooftop for gatherings and film screenings. Each space reflects our belief that creativity should be open and accessible to everyone.
  
  Over the years, we have hosted hundreds of workshops, festivals, and projects from mural painting and documentary screenings to weekly DIY sessions and youth programs. Workawayers join this rhythm by supporting workshops, sharing their own creative skills, and collaborating on projects that help grow our collective.
  
  Located in Jawalakhel, a lively neighborhood in Lalitpur, we are surrounded by cafés, restaurants, and local shops. Staying with us offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Kathmandu’s cultural life while contributing to a grassroots community hub.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Teaching

  DIY and building projects

  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. You’ll contribute around 25 hours per week (5 hours a day, 5 days a week) in exchange for accommodation and meals, while sharing your skills and learning from our community.
  
  The focus is on cultural and creative exchange. Depending on your background and interests, you might:
  -Facilitate or assist in workshops (art, craft, photography, storytelling, DIY projects, etc.)
  -Join community events such as film screenings, open mics, or rooftop storytelling evenings
  -Help in our Makerspace by organising tools or building simple projects
  -Help around the general space by creating decor, art and signage
  -Document by taking photos or short videos social media storytelling
  -Collaborate on special projects such as murals, zines, or creative installations
  
  We’ll decide together on one or two main areas for your stay, so your time feels focused and meaningful.
  
  What We’re Looking For:
  -People excited to share creative skills or learn new ones
  -Open-minded collaborators who enjoy community life
  -Reliable, respectful, and adaptable travellers

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  You’ll stay in a private room inside the collective itself. It’s a simple and freshly renovated space with a double bed, desk, storage, and WiFi. The room can accommodate one or two people. There’s a shared bathroom nearby with a hot shower, cleaned daily.
  
  Important to note: there is no kitchen access and the room is located right in the heart of the action — just off a small hallway connected to the Art Cafe and next to the kitchen used by staff and volunteers. During the day, especially when events are happening, there may be noise and activity just outside your door. In the early morning and evening, it’s much quieter.
  
  This setup is best for someone who enjoys being immersed in community life, doesn’t mind a bit of background chaos, and is excited to live in the center of a creative space. It’s not ideal for those looking for privacy, quiet, or the ability to cook meals 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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