Further Information

A cultural bridge between Iceland and Nepal.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about this project, which is very close to my heart.

My name is Brandur Bryndísarson Karlsson. In 2009, I lost my ability to move and have since been navigating life in a wheelchair. Despite the challenges, my love for travel outweighs my fear of the unknown, and I trust that good people are everywhere, ready to lend a hand. This has certainly been my experience so far.

Now, I want to return to Nepal for the fourth time and host a small art festival in Kathmandu, much like I did on my last visit there. This festival is about more than just art—it’s a way for me to connect Iceland with Nepal and bring together people from all walks of life to create something meaningful.

The Power of Art

Through this project, I aim to host an inclusive art festival where people of all ages, backgrounds, religions, and genders are welcome to come together in a peaceful, creative space. Some of the artwork created during the festival will be brought back to Iceland, where it will be part of an exhibition that tells the story of this unique cross-cultural experience. The festival is a bridge between Iceland and Nepal, showing how art can unite us all.

Brandur has previously gained attention for his remarkable travels, having lost his mobility in 2009. On his first trip to Nepal, the documentary Atomy was created, focusing on the collaboration between Brandur and Rahul. On his second trip, Brandur and his cousin, Ýmir Grönvold, were stuck in Kathmandu for five months due to the COVID lockdown. During his third trip, Brandur, with the help of his assistants, organized an event where all passersby were invited to paint with him. Brandur’s mother was responsible for ensuring that well over a thousand hungry Nepalis received a nutritious meal.

"On one of my earlier trips, during the onset of COVID-19, my cousin Ýmir and I found ourselves in Nepal as the world shut down. We made the choice to stay, sheltering with other travelers in an empty Kathmandu. The city was transformed—traffic stopped, the air cleared, and for the first time in years, Everest was visible from the city. That experience deepened my connection with Nepal and reinforced my belief in the power of art and human connection during times of hardship." Says Brandur

How You Can Help

If this vision resonates with you and you’d like to support this journey, I invite you to contribute to our crowdfunding campaign. Your support will not only help make this festival a reality but will also play a crucial role in showcasing how creativity can transcend borders.

Thank you for considering being a part of this meaningful adventure!

Iceland as a Cultural Bridge

As Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, former President of Iceland and UNESCO’s Language Ambassador, once said:
"It is vital that we give of ourselves, share our culture with other nations, and learn from them as well. Cultural exchange enriches our lives and broadens our horizons."

We’re thrilled to introduce Artisophy, a platform developed with our tech partner Neurotic, that connects global art lovers with local artists—like those from our Kathmandu festival. Artisophy makes art investment accessible by offering stakes in unique creations, fostering a global community built on creativity and cultural exchange.