In a significant step towards fostering gender equality and inclusivity, Relative Nepal, Janakpurdham in collaboration with UNDP Nepal, successfully conducted the 15 days ‘Mithila Art Training’ under the “Empowering Girls, Women, and Persons with Disabilities through Mithila Art and Gender Equality Program.” The initiative, grounded in the principle of Leave No One Behind (LNOB), brought together 26 participants, including girls, women, and persons with disabilities.
During the Training sessions, participants engaged in various art-related activities, including; Sketching: Participants learned the basics of sketching, focusing on lines, proportions, and shading. They practiced drawing simple objects and gradually moved on to more complex subjects. Drawing Different Shapes: The training included exercises on drawing various geometric shapes and organic forms, which are fundamental to creating more intricate designs. Animal Drawings: Participants explored drawing different animals, integrating these figures into traditional Mithila art forms. This exercise helped them understand the significance of animals in Mithila culture. Mithila Cultural Motifs: The training emphasized drawing motifs and symbols from Mithila culture, such as the sun, fish, lotus, and peacocks. These elements are iconic in Mithila art and carry deep cultural meanings. Use of Color Boxes: Participants were introduced to the use of color boxes, learning how to select and apply colors effectively. They experimented with color combinations to create vibrant and aesthetically pleasing designs. Coloring Designs: The training included sessions on coloring pre-drawn designs. This exercise helped participants develop a sense of color harmony and taught them techniques for blending and shading with colors. And Product Creation: Participants were taught how to create sellable products using Mithila art, such as wall hangings, greeting cards, and hand-painted textiles. They learned to translate their designs into items that could be marketed and sold.
The program aimed to enhance participants’ artistic skills while fostering a sense of empowerment and inclusion. By the end of the training, participants had not only improved their technical abilities but also gained confidence in expressing themselves through art, contributing to their overall personal and social development.
