A new art platform titled Art Bangla Foundation organises a programme marking its launch at Lalmatia in the capital on Saturday. — New Age photo
A new art platform titled Art Bangla Foundation officially began its journey at Lalmatia in the capital on Saturday.
Eminent artists gathered at the launching ceremony of the foundation, which has been operating informally since 2016.
The event featured discussion, felicitation ceremony and inauguration of a group art exhibition titled Pratibimba Parampara part I.
Art Bangla Foundation honoured eminent artists namely, Samarjit Roy Chowdhury, Mustafa Monwar, Hashem Khan, Rafiqun Nabi, Monirul Islam and art patron Abul Khayer for their contributions to the country’s art.
The event began with the screening of a video showing art camps organised by Art Bangla Foundation in different places across the country, including Nilphamari, Joypurhat, Gazipur and Dhaka.
Ruling Awami League lawmaker Asaduzzaman Noor presided over the event where art critique professor Mainuddin Khaled delivered the keynote speech.
State minister for cultural affairs KM Khalid, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy director general Liaquat Ali Lucky, Dhaka University fine arts faculty dean Nisar Hossain and Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited managing director Rupali Chowdhury, among others, were present at the event.
Art Bangla Foundation chairman Mohammad Younus said, ‘We have been planning to formally launch this foundation for quite some time. Artists have social responsibilities and they should work for society’s betterment,’ he said.
Mohammad Younus, also a former professor of the FFA, DU added, ‘We have been working on the idea of this platform since 2016. But, we have been able to launch this interdisciplinary and contemporary art foundation today.’
Harun ar Rashid, director general of the foundation, vowed to engage young artists in the activities of the foundation.
‘We have organised art camps where many young artists worked alongside leading artists of our country. Our main objective is to nurture the young talents and provide them a platform to showcase their talent,’ said Harun ar Rashid.
Rafiqun Nabi said, ‘I was involved in one of the art camps held in Nilphamari in 2020. In the camp, I witnessed the enthusiasm and talent of young artists. Everyone was eager to learn. If they can carry on their artistic journey, they will grow up as better human beings and will play a role in forming a tolerant society in the future.’
KM Khalid said, ‘Art camps, which are held outside Dhaka, are crucial because such camps provide a platform to the children across the country to showcase their talent and they can learn from leading artists. I hope Art Bangla foundation will live up to its promise.’
The exhibition titled Pratibimba Parampara part I is displaying artworks by 38 artists.
Artworks created by Zainul Abedin, Quamrul Hassan, Anwarul Haque, Safiuddin Ahmed, SM Sultan, Mohammad Kibria, Rashid Chowdhury, Murtaja Baseer, Kalidas Karmakar, Qayyum Chowdhury, Hamiduzzaman Khan and Biren Shome, among others, have been displayed in the exhibition, which will end on October 1.
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