Today, students of the Aga Khan Academy Dhaka participated in The Big Draw Festival 2024, a global celebration of creativity and visual literacy.

This year's festival, themed "Drawing in Motion", invited participants to explore the dynamic and ever-changing nature of drawing as a tool for capturing movement, energy, and life.

The Big Draw Festival, founded in 2000 by the Guild of St. George, is the world's largest drawing festival, encouraging millions worldwide to unleash their creativity. It fosters an appreciation of drawing as a vital human skill and a means of communication, self-expression, and well-being.

At the Aga Khan Academy Dhaka, all 75 of the Grade 7 students took part in the festival, each creating an individual artwork that reflected their interpretation of the 'Drawing in Motion' theme. The creative process involved rigorous engagement, where students immersed themselves in the theme, explored ideas and translated their thoughts onto canvas. Their submissions were sent digitally to The Big Draw Festival organisers alongside numerous other entries from academic institutions around the world.

"Participating in The Big Draw Festival was an incredible experience," Zunaina Islam Zahra, a Grade 7 student, said. 

"It allowed me to explore new ideas, express myself creatively, and see how art can bring stories and emotions to life. It inspired me to think differently about how movement can be captured on paper." 

Photo: Courtesy

The Academy also marked the occasion with a vibrant on-campus exhibition of the students' artworks, inaugurated by the Eminent Artist Professor Mostafizul Haque, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology, as the chief guest. Professor Haque commended the students' creativity, highlighting the importance of nurturing artistic expression among young learners and celebrating their ability to reflect dynamic ideas through art.

While the festival's results are still awaited, the Academy showcased students' creativity through an exhibition on campus. "We believe that art is an essential medium for self-expression and exploration," said Suvina Shunglu, the Head of Academy. 

"By participating in The Big Draw Festival, our students not only honed their artistic skills but also embraced the joy of creativity and collaboration. Initiatives like this align closely with our mission of fostering a holistic education that nurtures curiosity, innovation and critical thinking."

The Aga Khan Academy Dhaka has a proud history of participation in The Big Draw Festival. Notably, the Aga Khan Academies were joint winners in the Secondary School Award category at the 2022 festival for their creative engagement in visual arts, dance, and poetry. The continued involvement underscores the Academy's commitment to global citizenship and a well-rounded education.