Alliance Francaise de Dhaka (AFD)

Art Exhibition / Bengal’s artists reimagine the spirit of Buddha through art

The eternal message of Buddhist peace has blossomed in a new light at La Galerie of Alliance Française de Dhaka. The exhibition, titled “The Awakening to Sacred Peace: The Buddha of Bengal”, showcases the wealth of ancient Bengali painting traditions through the works of prominent and emerging Bangladeshi artists. This third edition of the Buddhist-themed exhibition, organised by the Oriental Painting Study Group and Learning Design Studio, reinterprets the aesthetic sensitivity of Buddhist tradition and the spirit of Buddha in Bengal.

French playwright to stage a comedy on Dhaka’s street hawkers

Directed by French playwright Zazie Hayoun Jazzy, “Song of Hawkers” focuses on the daily lives of Dhaka's hawkers through three light-hearted stories—“The Secret”, “The Thief Rewarded”, and “The Competition”.

Rickshaw art takes centre stage at Alliance Française de Dhaka

Titled “Rickshaw Artistry: A World Heritage”, the exhibition highlights vibrant, hand-painted posters of superhit films, including the legendary action movie “Shodor Ghater Kuli”, which starred renowned Dhallywood actor Rubel and was directed by Raqibul Alam Raqib.

16 Days of Activism / Children for change: ‘Artivism’ exhibition advocates social progress

Young artists have utilised their creativity to address pressing issues such as inequality, gender-based violence, and the need to challenge outdated societal norms. Through their powerful work, they convey a strong commitment to driving change and transforming individuals, communities, and society as a whole.

Exhibition / ‘Finely Tiny’: The blend of mathematics and Oriental art

In her current body of work, Élise finds inspiration in the intricate symmetry of geometric forms, exploring a shared language between art and science. Her pieces “Classroom” and “Roméo & Juliette – Mathematician Version” epitomise her commitment to merging mathematical calculation with creative expression.

‘Moja-Kori’ design festival to inaugurate Dhaka’s first community-driven cultural hub

Featuring more than 50 events, the festival will showcase architectural designs, artworks, photography, installation pieces, and performing arts, hosted in multiple venues around Korail as well as at Shala Neighbourhood Art Space, Gallery 101, and Alliance Française de Dhaka.

Alliance Française de Dhaka commemorates 65 years

The French language school Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), also adept at art exhibitions, and activities promoting a dynamic exchange between Europe and Bangladesh, marked its 65th anniversary with an extensive lineup of events, showcasing a seamless fusion of Bengali and French culture.

‘Invisible Stories’: Puppetry, ghosts, and traditions under one roof

Through the artistes’ use of puppetry and physical movement, the invisible becomes visible, offering a glimpse into the unseen forces shaping the world around us. From "tree ghosts" blamed for Dhaka's infamous traffic to the "ectoplasm" holding up the city’s walls, the show plays with the supernatural in ways that are both whimsical and profound.

Photo Exhibition / ‘Beyond the Gaze’: Exploring intimacy and isolation at AFD

Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) is currently hosting “Beyond the Gaze”, showcasing a profound exploration of intimacy, identity, and isolation through the lens of emerging photographers and artists. The exhibition features works from the PSA: Beyond the Gaze 2023–2024 workshop, an initiative supported by Photo South Asia under the MurthyNAYAK Foundation, and partnered with AFD and Kiran Nadar Museum of Art in Delhi, India.

May 16, 2025
May 16, 2025

Bengal’s artists reimagine the spirit of Buddha through art

The eternal message of Buddhist peace has blossomed in a new light at La Galerie of Alliance Française de Dhaka. The exhibition, titled “The Awakening to Sacred Peace: The Buddha of Bengal”, showcases the wealth of ancient Bengali painting traditions through the works of prominent and emerging Bangladeshi artists. This third edition of the Buddhist-themed exhibition, organised by the Oriental Painting Study Group and Learning Design Studio, reinterprets the aesthetic sensitivity of Buddhist tradition and the spirit of Buddha in Bengal.

March 9, 2025
March 9, 2025

French playwright to stage a comedy on Dhaka’s street hawkers

Directed by French playwright Zazie Hayoun Jazzy, “Song of Hawkers” focuses on the daily lives of Dhaka's hawkers through three light-hearted stories—“The Secret”, “The Thief Rewarded”, and “The Competition”.

January 9, 2025
January 9, 2025

Rickshaw art takes centre stage at Alliance Française de Dhaka

Titled “Rickshaw Artistry: A World Heritage”, the exhibition highlights vibrant, hand-painted posters of superhit films, including the legendary action movie “Shodor Ghater Kuli”, which starred renowned Dhallywood actor Rubel and was directed by Raqibul Alam Raqib.

December 1, 2024
December 1, 2024

Children for change: ‘Artivism’ exhibition advocates social progress

Young artists have utilised their creativity to address pressing issues such as inequality, gender-based violence, and the need to challenge outdated societal norms. Through their powerful work, they convey a strong commitment to driving change and transforming individuals, communities, and society as a whole.

November 5, 2024
November 5, 2024

‘Finely Tiny’: The blend of mathematics and Oriental art

In her current body of work, Élise finds inspiration in the intricate symmetry of geometric forms, exploring a shared language between art and science. Her pieces “Classroom” and “Roméo & Juliette – Mathematician Version” epitomise her commitment to merging mathematical calculation with creative expression.

November 4, 2024
November 4, 2024

‘Moja-Kori’ design festival to inaugurate Dhaka’s first community-driven cultural hub

Featuring more than 50 events, the festival will showcase architectural designs, artworks, photography, installation pieces, and performing arts, hosted in multiple venues around Korail as well as at Shala Neighbourhood Art Space, Gallery 101, and Alliance Française de Dhaka.

October 20, 2024
October 20, 2024

Alliance Française de Dhaka commemorates 65 years

The French language school Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), also adept at art exhibitions, and activities promoting a dynamic exchange between Europe and Bangladesh, marked its 65th anniversary with an extensive lineup of events, showcasing a seamless fusion of Bengali and French culture.

October 8, 2024
October 8, 2024

‘Invisible Stories’: Puppetry, ghosts, and traditions under one roof

Through the artistes’ use of puppetry and physical movement, the invisible becomes visible, offering a glimpse into the unseen forces shaping the world around us. From "tree ghosts" blamed for Dhaka's infamous traffic to the "ectoplasm" holding up the city’s walls, the show plays with the supernatural in ways that are both whimsical and profound.

September 1, 2024
September 1, 2024

‘Beyond the Gaze’: Exploring intimacy and isolation at AFD

Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) is currently hosting “Beyond the Gaze”, showcasing a profound exploration of intimacy, identity, and isolation through the lens of emerging photographers and artists. The exhibition features works from the PSA: Beyond the Gaze 2023–2024 workshop, an initiative supported by Photo South Asia under the MurthyNAYAK Foundation, and partnered with AFD and Kiran Nadar Museum of Art in Delhi, India.

April 28, 2024
April 28, 2024

‘Stitched Collage’: Exploring Suranjana Bhattacharja’s threads of resilience

Suranjana Bhattacharja's journey into the world of art took a unique turn when she was diagnosed with Dystrophy around a decade ago, causing partial disability in her left hand. Despite the challenges posed by this chronic condition, she found solace in her passion for sewing. Inspired by artists like Kandinsky, she ventured into stitched collage, a novel form of artistic expression. The inception of this exhibition can be traced back to a pivotal moment in Suranjana's life while residing in Montreal. Struck by the parallels between her own journey and that of renowned artists like Matisse, who persisted in creating despite physical limitations, she found renewed determination to pursue her craft.