Five-day Art Dhaka festival begins in city tomorrow

Art Dhaka, a new platform celebrating Bangladesh’s diverse artistic landscape, is set to hold its inaugural edition from 6 to 10 November at Aloki in the capital, bringing together more than 130 artists, collectors, galleries and cultural practitioners.

The five-day art festival will feature traditional, modern and contemporary artistic practices through exhibitions, immersive installations, performances, architectural interventions and panel discussions. Open daily from 10am to 10pm, the event aims to encourage artistic discovery, cultural dialogue and greater public engagement with art.

Conceived as more than a conventional art marketplace, Art Dhaka seeks to strengthen connections among artists, institutions, collectors and audiences while making art more accessible to the wider public.

The fair’s curatorial direction will be led by Najmun Nahar Keya and Zihan Karim, bringing together artistic expressions across generations, disciplines and traditions. A dedicated Print Pavilion, curated by Fareha Zeba, will highlight the traditions and techniques of printmaking while introducing original prints as an accessible entry point for new art collectors.

Among the special attractions is “Leaping Across Time”, an exhibition curated by Mustafa Zaman that pays tribute to pioneering artists who laid the foundations of modern art in Bangladesh.

The Immersive Zone will showcase works from Bangladeshi artist Rokeya Sultana’s “Fata Morgana” series through a specially developed presentation. Meanwhile, the Architecture Pavilion, designed by architect Rashed Chowdhury, will explore Bengal’s architectural heritage and material traditions through environmentally conscious temporary structures.

A series of panel discussions will bring together artists, collectors, cultural practitioners and industry stakeholders to discuss patronage, artistic infrastructure, public art and the development of a sustainable art ecosystem in Bangladesh.

Art Dhaka was founded by Aumia Khundkar, Durjoy Rahman, Fahd Sattar and Nahar Khan, whose professional backgrounds span art, culture, business, media and creative enterprise.

Through its inaugural edition, the fair aims to encourage new forms of patronage, expand opportunities for artists and create stronger connections between creative communities and audiences.

With its diverse programme and participation from established and emerging artists, Art Dhaka aspires to become a significant platform for promoting Bangladesh’s artistic heritage and contemporary creative practices.