Khosru describes art and culture as 'soft power'

The inauguration ceremony of an art exhibition titled 'The Long Present' held on June 13, Saturday afternoon at the Bengal Shilpalaya in Dhanmondi, Dhaka. The exhibition was inaugurated by Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury.

The exhibition features 46 artworks by 15 renowned painters from Bangladesh. The exhibition will run daily from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm until July 4.

The exhibition features artworks by Hashem Khan, Rafiqun Nabi, Abdus Shakoor Shah, Nazlee Laila Mansur, Farida Zaman, Mohammad Eunus, Jamaluddin Ahmed, Ranjit Das, Ahmed Shamsuddoha, Shishir Bhattacharjee, Kanka Chanpa Chakma, Mohammad Iqbal, Maksuda Iqbal Nipa, Kamal Uddin, and Sahid Kazi.

Display of art works at the exhibition entitled The Long Present at capital’s Bengal Shilpalaya. Photo: Bengal Foundation

At the event, the minister outlined the government’s plans to build a 'creative economy'. He said the government is not limited to just formulating policies but is also allocating funds in the budget to bring everyone, from village blacksmiths and potters to theatre artists into the mainstream economy.

He also stated that a central design centre has been established for this purpose, where all designers in the country will be brought together to help improve the skills of craftspeople.

Referring to art and culture as 'soft power', Khosru said Korean culture has spread globally. He suggested that Bangladesh’s own cultural heritage, including folk songs and Lalon songs, similarly be monetised and promoted. He also commented that implementing this initiative requires combined efforts from the government, private sector, and NGO sectors.

The organisers say the central concept of the exhibition is to capture on a single canvas the diverse artistic journeys and experiences of these 15 artists, ranging from 60s to the present day. According to them, it is not a history of sequential styles but rather a living exploration of how time settles on an artist's canvas.

Bengal Foundation chairman Abul Khair praised the government's 'Creative Economy' initiative at the event.