The Embassy of Nepal in Brussels, in collaboration with the Mithila Center USA and with support from the European Union, will host an art exhibition titled “Art for SDGs: The Mithila Heritage” from June 5 to 20 at the European External Action Service (EEAS) headquarters. The event aims to bring together traditional Nepali art, cultural diplomacy, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
According to the embassy, the exhibition will formally open on June 9 at 2 p.m. at the EEAS headquarters.
The event is designed to showcase Mithila art as one of Nepal’s most distinctive and enduring cultural traditions. Associated with the Mithila region of Nepal and India, and closely linked to Janakpurdham, Mithila art is a centuries-old cultural practice passed down through generations. It is recognized for its intricate geometric patterns, vibrant colors, and symbolic expressions inspired by nature, mythology, and everyday life, and is especially known as a medium of expression for women.
In a press release, the embassy noted that Mithila art has long served as a powerful medium of expression for communities—especially women—in the Mithila region. The exhibition seeks to highlight how this rich tradition reflects values aligned with broader global priorities, including environmental stewardship, gender equality, social harmony, and human dignity.
The “Art for SDGs” initiative, which began in 2019 at the United Nations headquarters in New York, has been using Mithila art to communicate messages related to the Sustainable Development Goals. Through visual storytelling, it addresses issues such as climate change, gender equality, education, and health. The initiative has expanded across international platforms under the leadership of Amit Pratap Shah, founding president of Mithila Center USA.
According to organizers, the initiative has contributed not only to cultural preservation but also to economic and social impact. In particular, women artists from rural areas have gained opportunities for income generation, international exposure, and participation in the creative economy.
The initiative has also influenced policy-level recognition. In 2021, the Government of Nepal issued a set of 17 postage stamps inspired by Mithila art representing the Sustainable Development Goals.
Organizers say the initiative has strengthened cultural diplomacy by connecting artists, diplomats, and policymakers from different countries, promoting intercultural dialogue.
It has also received institutional recognition. In 2023, New York City proclaimed “Mithila Culture and Festival Day,” and in 2024, the Mithila Heritage Reception was held at Gracie Mansion, with support from various U.S. institutions.
Mithila Center USA has been expanding its activities through annual festivals, youth programs, and publications, and has proposed a long-term plan to establish a Mithila Art Museum in New York.
From its beginnings at the United Nations to showcases in Times Square and now at the European Union, the initiative has continued to grow globally. The Brussels exhibition aims to promote Mithila art on an international stage through art displays, cultural programming, and culinary experiences, organizers said.
The opening ceremony is expected to draw high-level dignitaries from the European Union, Belgium’s Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, local embassies, and Mithila artists from both the United States and Nepal.
Guests at the opening will be welcomed with a cultural program featuring an introduction to Mithila art and culture, a traditional dance performance, authentic Mithila cuisine, and renowned Nepali hospitality.
The exhibition is open to Friends of Nepal, members of the local Nepali community, students, artists, and the wider Nepali diaspora across the Benelux countries. The embassy has invited heads and officials of all community organizations, as well as interested members of the public, to attend and support the initiative.
As detailed in the official notice issued by the embassy, interested attendees must pre-register with complete details using the official registration link by June 3, 2026. The embassy emphasized that providing this information is mandatory for entry in compliance with European Union security requirements. Attendees must also bring a valid ID card on the day of the event to ensure smooth and timely access to the EU premises.
Susan Shrestha
View More PostsSusan Shrestha is a Europe-based journalist. He covers a wide range of topics, from local matters to global affairs. Shrestha previously worked as a reporter for Khasokhas in Nepal.
