Recognition & Awards
Mithila Center USA and the artists we champion have received recognition from some of the world’s most prestigious cultural and intergovernmental institutions — from the United Nations and UNESCO to the Smithsonian and the European Union. Each recognition is a testament to the enduring power and global relevance of Mithila art.
Why It Matters
Mithila art is one of the world’s oldest continuously practiced folk art traditions. For centuries, it was created primarily by women on the walls and floors of homes in Bihar and Nepal — a living visual language passed from mother to daughter, celebrating weddings, harvests, and the cycles of nature. Today, Mithila Center USA works to ensure this tradition receives the international recognition it deserves.
When UNESCO, the United Nations, or the Smithsonian Institution acknowledges Mithila art, it does more than confer prestige — it creates pathways for preservation funding, academic study, and cross-cultural dialogue. Recognition on the global stage means that future generations of Mithila artists, whether in Bihar, Nepal, or New York, can carry forward their tradition with the support it deserves.
Our Story →Acknowledged by UNESCO as a significant intangible cultural heritage tradition with global importance.
Mithila art has been presented at UN Headquarters in New York and the EU in Brussels — advocacy at the highest levels.
Featured by the Smithsonian Institution and Google Arts & Culture, bringing Mithila art to millions worldwide.
Recognised by diaspora organisations, cultural bodies, and partner institutions across the United States and South Asia.
Awards, Partnerships & More
Media Recognition
Recognised by National Geographic for excellence in documenting the visual storytelling traditions of the Mithila region.
Digital Partnership
Featured partner on Google Arts & Culture, showcasing Mithila art to global audiences through immersive digital experiences.
Partner Recognition
Acknowledged by the Smithsonian Institution for excellence in folk art preservation and cross-cultural exchange programming.
International Award
Recognised by UNESCO for outstanding contribution to the preservation and promotion of Intangible Cultural Heritage traditions of the…
Keep the Momentum Going
Every award, partnership, and acknowledgement we receive amplifies the voice of Mithila artists and the communities that sustain this tradition. Your support — as a donor, volunteer, or partner — makes the next recognition possible.