Dhaka: A two-day 'Art for Equality' workshop commenced at the University of Dhaka today, engaging 80 students and artists from nine public and private universities. This initiative is under the leadership of the Department of History of Art, Faculty of Fine Arts.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the workshop is part of the 'Shomotay Tarunno-Youth for Equality' project and is facilitated by Plan International Bangladesh and JAAGO Foundation Trust, with financial support from the Embassy of the Netherlands. The event was inaugurated by DU Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Saima Haque Bidisha at the Faculty of Fine Arts premises.
Special guests at the inauguration included Associate Professor Debashish Pal from the Department of Oriental Art, Honorary Professor Dr. Md Abdus Sattar, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Professor of Sculpture A A M Kaoser Hasan, and Nishat Sultana, Plan International Bangladesh's Director of Influencing, Campaign and Communications. The workshop is presided over by Dr. Sheikh Monir Uddin, Chairman of the Department of History of Art and its curator, while Assistant Professor Sanjoy Kumar Dey co-curates, explaining the objectives and activities.
Participants hail from the University of Dhaka, Jagannath University, Jahangirnagar University, Khulna University, Rajshahi University, Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology, Dhaka Art College, Narayanganj Fine Art Institute, and Jessore S M Sultan Art College.
The workshop will culminate in an exhibition at Zainul Gallery on November 25 and 26, featuring artworks produced during the event. A digital catalogue showcasing themes and artist profiles will also be released. At the exhibition's opening, the top 10 artists will be recognized, and all participants will receive certificates. Additionally, three thematic seminars will take place on November 26, involving teachers and students from various departments.
The workshop's primary goal is to engage educators, students, young artists, and renowned painters in representing negative gender norms through visual art, thereby fostering positive societal perceptions. It also aims to encourage universities to integrate gender equality topics into higher education curricula.