April 5: The US Embassy in Kathmandu and Nepal Communitere, a community-based innovation hub, jointly launched the American Arts Incubator (AAI)-Nepal programme on Friday, April 5.

Issuing a press statement, the organization said 17 participants selected through an open call will learn the basics of digital fabrication and 3D printing to create innovative and participatory projects that engage the public around the theme of opportunity for women in Kathmandu.

“The incubator will have an ‘artist talk’ where American artist Jennifer Berry will talk about her previous work and creative practice, and share with us her approach to the incubator,” the statement says.

American Arts Incubator (AAI) is an initiative of the US Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in partnership with ZERO1 that sends US artists abroad to collaborate with local communities for a month-long incubator. According to the statement, the creative collaboration transfers skills in art, technology, and entrepreneurship.

“Through the digital and new media art workshops, the artists facilitate dialogue and explorations of the social challenge,” the statement further added, “The participants can also receive small grants to work on their project ideas.”

The AAI program will be hosted at Nepal Communitere. The month-long program will close with a panel review and open house to the public at Nepal Communitere from April 25 to 27.