Spiny Babbler was originally established in 1991 as an English poetry journal and has since grown into a broad platform for arts, education, knowledge management, and global creative collaboration. Over three decades, events, programs, and leadership efforts under this name have spanned Nepal, six continents, and now the United States. These references describe historical and ongoing initiatives carried out under the Spiny Babbler banner rather than a current U.S.-registered organization.
Two Nationwide Poetry Festivals + The Thamel Art Festival
A seven-location national poetry festival bringing together writers, students, and audiences across Nepal, launched by the representative of UNESCO Nepal.
Nationwide Art Tour (2011)
A 19-location tour from eastern hills to western plains on the theme of the internet and e-opportunities. Many communities received their first-ever art exhibition. The tour featured one of Nepal’s largest paintings (54' × 8") along with books and documentary films by Spiny Babbler.
Spiny Babbler Art Gallery (from 1997)
Founded in Kantipath and later moved to Bakhundol, the gallery hosted exhibitions and lectures by national and international personalities, presenting visual, literary, and community-focused work. Readings and performances featured Madhav Prasad Ghimire, Bairagi Kaila, Ishwar Ballav, Bhuwan Dhungana, Modhnath Prashrit, Usha Sherchan, emerging poets, and international contributors.
Australasian initiative
Partnered with 22 university creative writing departments across six Australasian nations, resulting in Anthology of Australasian Stories and supporting emerging writers. Later supported by the Australian Embassy.
European literary project
A 24-nation collaboration involving 103 poets writing on persecution and peace, including 10 Nobel laureates or their estates, resulting in Modern Poets of Europe. The launch event involved six EU ambassadors who read poetry from their nations. Later supported by the British Council.
United Kingdom collaboration
Led to Selected Poems of the United Kingdom, featuring key UK poets, and later Creating Verse.
Mountain youth initiative across 20 nations
A two-and-a-half-year global effort involving young people from six continents writing on mountain issues. Produced Mountain Forever and Young Minds of Twenty Nations in partnership with the Ford Foundation and ICIMOD.
Child-to-Child Project with ILO
Engaged more than 80 schools through workshops, orientations, and life-experience collection, resulting in Welcome to the World.
Arts-based initiatives
Addressed corporal punishment and child nutrition with World Vision and collaborated with numerous NGOs and private organizations.
Youth violence research
Research across eight districts of southern Nepal produced eight individual reports and one consolidated report for Search for Common Ground as well as two project evaluation reports.
Taudaha Wetlands Conservation Project
In collaboration with the Global Environment Facility and UNDP, Spiny Babbler led 18 months of arts-based conservation activities. Taudaha remains one of Kathmandu’s most visited natural sites.
Cultural preservation in Sankhu
Documented and exhibited Sankhu’s cultural and natural heritage (pre-Lichhavi era 5th to 8th century AD), working with 23 local clubs and schools.
Alternative Media Project (3 years)
A multi-nation program exploring poetry, music, theatre, puppetry, and alternative arts for environmental awareness, run in Thaiba alongside similar efforts in five countries.
These projects took Spiny Babbler teams from Dadeldhura in the far west to Ilam in the east, documenting community realities and development challenges.