Art for SDGs: The Mithila Heritage exhibition opens in EEAS HQ

The Embassy of Nepal in Brussels, in collaboration with Mithila Centre USA and with the support of European External Action Service (EEAS), organised a Mithila Art Exhibition titled ‘Art for SDGs: The Mithila Heritage’. Launched on 9 June, this exhibition will be held until 25 June 2026 in the premises of the EEAS.  The exhibition showcases colourful Mithila folk artworks connecting Nepal’s living cultural heritage with the global imperatives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Distinguished guests

The opening ceremony on 9 June 2026 drew approximately one hundred distinguished guests, including Ambassadors, EU officials, representatives of the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, diplomats, Mithila artists, media, and members of the wider Nepali diaspora.

The ceremony opened with the national anthems of Nepal and the EU followed by the joint lighting of the ceremonial lamp ‘Panas’ by the distinguished speakers including H.E. Ms. Sewa Lamsal, Ambassador of Nepal to the BENELUX Countries and Head of Mission to the EU; Mr. Dominic Porter, Deputy Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific at the EEAS; H.E. Mr. Pierre Cartuyvels, Head of Protocol at the Belgian FPS, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation and Mr. Amit Pratap Shah, Founding President of the Mithila Centre USA.

The speakers shed light on the rich history of Mithila heritage and its resonance with the UN SDGs, and commended the efforts of the Embassy of Nepal in bringing the heritage exhibition to Brussels.  They paid tribute to the generations of women who have been expressing their values through Mithila art, including the Mithila artists whose paintings adorned the walls of the EEAS premises.

Geometric patterns

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Copyright

EU

Rooted in centuries-old tradition, Mithila art is characterised by intricate geometric patterns, vibrant colours, and motifs drawn from nature, mythology, and daily life. The theme ‘Art for SDGs’ illustrates how this indigenous tradition speaks directly to universal principles underpinning the SDGs; environmental stewardship, gender equality, social harmony, and human dignity. The exhibition features artwork by artists including Ms. Manisha Shah, Ms. Sunaina Thakur, Mr. S.C. Suman, Mr. Pratik S. Rayamajhi and Ms. Shivangi Singh.

The opening ceremony also featured live performances of the traditional Maithali dance ‘Jhijhiya’ and Nepali folk dance, and concluded with a taste of authentic Mithila cuisine.