Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) – South Asia Regional Art Exhibition ‘Imagining Our Future Together’, organized by the World Bank was inaugurated in the capital Dhaka on Saturday.
The exhibition unites 25 artists from Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan Sri Lanka, and includes three artists from Bangladesh.
The World Bank organized a regional art competition earlier this year for young South Asian artists born after 1975 with the view of creating a vision for a common future and showcasing the unique beauty, creativity and challenges of South Asia.
The competition ‘Imagining our Future Together’ received more than 1000 entries from talented young artists inspired by the idea of a more integrated region. The exhibition showcases 42 winning artworks by 25 finalists. This was first one of the group of exhibitions which later will be taken to other South Asian Countries and USA.
“In building a common vision for a more prosperous future in South Asia, young artists and other youth have an important role to play. This was the impetus behind this art competition,” said Ellen Goldstein, Country Director, World Bank Bangladesh. “South Asia is the home to the world’s largest youth population. ‘Imagining out Future Together’ was an innovative way to tap creative young minds to build new networks and begin breaking down the historic barriers to a more integrated and prosperous region.”
South Asia is the least integrated region in the world. More and better regional cooperation will help the region to realize its full potential. Breaking barriers is not only about economics and trade of goods and services. It is also about sharing ideas, promoting change and communicating through art.
Finance Minister A. M. A. Muhith inaugurated the exhibition on Saturday as Chief Guest at the opening. The winning artists from different South Asian countries gathered in Dhaka to participate in the exhibition.
The artists will also interact with art and photography students from universities. The art exhibition is taking place at the Bangladesh Silpakala Academy, Dhaka. The exhibition will continue till October 13, 2012.
BBN/SSR/AD-06Oct12-8:10 pm (BST)
