Muzicraft Presents Native Artistry, an exhibition showcasing handmade craft products, woodwork, pottery, nokshi katha, jute work, artworks, as well as jewellery and beauty products, was held recently at Platinum Grand Hotel in Dhaka. The organisers were keen on highlighting unique products made by our local artisans that many may not be aware of. According to Muzicraft, much of the art of creating handmade products is fading due to the lack of sustainable business models. This event was an attempt to revive some of the near forgotten methods of production and traditional items that have its roots in Bangladesh's rich culture and heritage.

For quite a few of the stall owners, it was their first time venturing into the physical space of buying and selling as there are many Facebook pages that carry out their small businesses online. Some of the businesses are family-run with wives, husbands and mothers-in-law all joining in on the craft and trade. Crafts and Colours is one such business that sells hand painted pots, pans, trays, trunks and many other items. They specialise in folk art, Mexican and Turkish paintings.

Bridge Foundation, a community of deaf and mute people presented many artworks created by their members in a variety of media, including paintings on jute. Along with focusing on empowering their community, they also want to highlight eco friendly practices and products.

Studio Raa exhibited beautiful hand painted sarees on Muslin. Run by a pair of Charukola graduates, the boutique works with themes of famous paintings such as The Mona Lisa and Starry Night which are delicately painted on fabric. According to them, art alone cannot be a means of survival in our country. Thus, they try to blend their love of fine arts with the more commercially viable medium of fashion.

Other featured businesses at the event included  popular household names such as Aranya and Manas Boutique, as well as Ribana, Bangladesh Pearls Musuem, Jophiel, Hems and Hues and Jothashilpo.