Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA)

Rickshaw Rally returns with graffiti tribute to July uprising

The rally will begin at 3pm from the Shilpakala Academy and parade through Moghbazar, Hatirjheel, and Madhubagh, before looping back to its starting point. Each rickshaw will be colourfully decked with custom T-shirts, caps, flag bands, placards, and original graffiti art—transforming the streets of Dhaka into a moving exhibition of protest and pride.

'Trial of Surya Sen' returns with 38th staging at BSA

Prominent theatre troupe Dhaka Padatik is set to stage the 38th production of its acclaimed historical drama “Trial of Surya Sen” on July 20 at the Experimental Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA).

Mustafa Zaman resigns as Director of Fine Arts at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy

Mustafa Zaman has stepped down from his role as the director of the Fine Arts Department at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), marking another major leadership change at the country’s premier state-run cultural institution.

Ten young filmmakers to screen debut shorts at Shilpakala today

The featured short films are: “In Another World” by Konok Khondokar, “Telapoka” by Al-Amin Hossain, “Hudai Miss” by Zahedul Haque, “Homunculus” by Ibne Noor Rakib, “Soulmate” by Adil Imam, “Cha Chai” by Sheikh Kourashani, “Louk” by Mahmuda Sultana, “For Sale” by Fazle Rabbi, “On the Contrary” by Imtiaz Hossain, and “Ishpait” by Abir Ferdous.

Spotlight Magazine / Post-July Shilpakala: The cultural spearhead needs to change internal culture

More than just a home for the arts, it has long been a custodian of collective memory, responsible for shaping a culturally enriched, humane Bangladesh, rooted in its historical context. Despite its undeniable impact in preserving traditions, amplifying artistic expression, and cultivating national identity, the institution has long been a target for political manipulation, corruption, and political parties’ quests to control the cultural conscience of the country.

4th Bangladesh Short & Documentary Film Festival to kick off this week

The festival received an overwhelming response, with 322 film submissions from across the country. After careful consideration by the selection committee, 89 films were chosen for screening—60 fictional shorts and 29 documentaries. These films were selected based on their artistic merit, storytelling prowess, and relevance to contemporary social issues.

Why is Shilpakala reserving empty halls?

Multiple theatre troupes claim they applied to book shows during these “reserved” slots — and were denied. When the list of reservations became public, the frustration spilled onto social media. On the Facebook group “Theatre Connection,” theatre activist Zubair Zahid posted a blunt question: “What kind of artistic practice requires 54 working days across three auditoriums?”

‘Cultural healing’ and ‘inclusivity’ key in Bengali New Year celebrations as Ministry announces plans

Farooki declared that this year’s New Year celebrations would bring together not just Bengali citizens, but also 27 ethnic communities from across the country. “Diversity is our most powerful and beautiful asset,” he said.

‘Shastriya Sangeet O Nritya Utsab’ commences at Shilpakala

Classical music and dance are among the most refined expressions of human culture, representing profound dedication, beauty, and tradition. In an effort to further promote and preserve these distinguished art forms, the Music, Dance, and Recitation Department of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy will be hosting a four-day “Shastriya Sangeet O Nritya Utsab” (Classical Music and Dance Festival).

March 22, 2024
March 22, 2024

BSA organises puppetry shows to revive nearly-lost art form

In a bid to revive that nostalgia, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) arranged a variety of programmes, including discussions and puppetry shows marking World Puppetry Day on March 21.

January 15, 2024
January 15, 2024

20 cultural icons, organisations to receive Shilpakala Padak

20 cultural icons and organisations are set to receive the Shilpakala Padak in recognition of their significant contributions to the cultural arena. The Bangladesh Shikpakala Academy (BSA) has been bestowing the prestigious accolade annually since 2013. For the fiscal years 2021 and 2022, a total of 20 individuals and organisations have been selected to be honoured.

December 31, 2023
December 31, 2023

Shilpakala Academy to screen ‘Saatao’ in 63 districts on 31st

Under BSA’s nationwide film screening initiative, “Ganajagorone Chalachitra Utsab”, the film is one of the 17 films which will be screened across the country from December 29, 2023, to January 5, 2024. “Satao” will be screened at 4 pm today.

November 10, 2023
November 10, 2023

A stirring tale in ‘Aagunjatra’

In a tapestry woven with intrigue and human complexity, the play "Aagunjatra" by Indian playwright Mahesh Dattani, adapted and directed by Azad Abul Kalam, is set to command the spotlight at the Examination Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) on November 10. Representing the 41st presentation by Prachyanat, this theatrical endeavour delves into the intricate lives of hijras, offering a poignant exploration led by the character Uma.

October 7, 2023
October 7, 2023

Ganga Jamuna cultural festival kicks off with splendour and zeal

One of the country's largest cultural initiatives, the Ganga-Jamuna Theatre and Cultural Festival, commenced with grandeur at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) on Friday.

October 4, 2023
October 4, 2023

Country’s largest theatre festival to kick off on October 6

Organised by Ganga Jamuna Shangskritik Porshod, the event will take place at the National Theatre Hall, Experimental Theatre Hall and Studio Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), and Dr Nilima Ibrahim Auditorium of Mohila Samity.

September 29, 2023
September 29, 2023

BSA arranges 12-day puppet show in 120 locations

Thus, to engage and inspire people from all walks of lives in Bangladesh, BSA took this initiative in 120 locations across the country through the presentations of 30 puppetry troupes nationwide. The festival will run until October 10.

August 25, 2023
August 25, 2023

Ashish Khondker’s ‘The School for Wives’ to stage at BSA

Ashish Khondker has taken on the task of translating this classic French play into Bengali. His adaptation promises to retain the essence and humour of the original while making it accessible to a broader audience.

August 5, 2023
August 5, 2023

Tauquir Ahmed’s ‘Tirthojatri’ is a stellar theatrical comeback

The play, “Tirthojatri” is adapted from popular writer Humayun Kabir’s philosophical fiction “Tirthojatri Tinjon Tarkik.” The play is co-written by the fiction's original author, and Tauquir himself.

July 15, 2023
July 15, 2023

'Classical Music and Dance Fest' kicks off at BSA

Running from July 14 to July 15, the festival was inaugurated by BSA director Liaquat Ali Lucky, by lighting ceremonial lamps.