Shilpakala Academy

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?”

Activists demand allocation of 1 percent of national budget for cultural sector

On Friday afternoon, cultural activists presented their views at a seminar titled “Review and Proposal of the Cultural Sector Budget.” The event was organised by the Theatre Artists Association of Dhaka (TAD) in the seminar room of the Shilpakala Academy.

Reaction / Why wash dirty linen in public?

Culture adviser Farooki and Shilpakala chief Syed Jamil exchange barbs

Shilpakala Academy lowers rental costs across all districts

The rental fees for auditoriums in the Shilpakala Academy institutions nationwide have been reduced. According to the newly adjusted rates, the rental fee for an auditorium with over 500/300 seats equipped with split AC at the district level will now be Tk 3,000 for a single shift of eight hours (2:00pm – 10:00pm). Previously, the amount was Tk 6,000 for the first three hours.

Syed Jamil Ahmed urges unity through art at Sadhumela

The event, titled “Manush Bhojle Shonar Manush Hobi”, was notably attended by chief guests Law Adviser Asif Nazrul and Ministry of Cultural Affairs adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki.

Interactive AR-VR Exhibition / ‘July Revolution on Posters’: A fusion of art and technology at Shilpakala

Yesterday, the Arts and Production Department of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy launched a live and interactive AR-VR (Augmented-Virtual Reality) exhibition titled "July Revolution on Posters", featuring Debashish Chakrabarty's artworks on the July Uprising. The inauguration ceremony was held at 4:00pm in the Jatiya Chitrashala Auditorium.

Celebrating December with theatre, qawwali, and cultural festivals across Bangladesh

This December, the country is set to come alive with an extraordinary lineup of cultural festivities, organized by Shilpakala Academy to mark the country's month of victory. From Qawwali performances to theatre festivals, the month-long celebration promises something for everyone. These events, held across districts and major cities, aim to bring art and culture to the public, making them accessible to all.

When art and politics collide

Dr Samina Luthfa, associate professor at the Department of Sociology in Dhaka University, talks about the recent controversy surrounding Shilpakala Academy and the theatre scene in Bangladesh with Monorom Polok of The Daily Star.

Opinion / Shilpakala Academy’s catalytic role against polarisation and extremism

BSA's initiatives in theatre, music, and visual arts have proven to be effective tools for bridging divides in Bangladesh's politically charged environment. The academy's diverse programming speaks to a wide range of Bangladeshis, although often failing to transcend party affiliations and ideological differences.

April 25, 2025
April 25, 2025

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?”

April 19, 2025
April 19, 2025

Activists demand allocation of 1 percent of national budget for cultural sector

On Friday afternoon, cultural activists presented their views at a seminar titled “Review and Proposal of the Cultural Sector Budget.” The event was organised by the Theatre Artists Association of Dhaka (TAD) in the seminar room of the Shilpakala Academy.

March 2, 2025
March 2, 2025

Why wash dirty linen in public?

Culture adviser Farooki and Shilpakala chief Syed Jamil exchange barbs

February 18, 2025
February 18, 2025

Shilpakala Academy lowers rental costs across all districts

The rental fees for auditoriums in the Shilpakala Academy institutions nationwide have been reduced. According to the newly adjusted rates, the rental fee for an auditorium with over 500/300 seats equipped with split AC at the district level will now be Tk 3,000 for a single shift of eight hours (2:00pm – 10:00pm). Previously, the amount was Tk 6,000 for the first three hours.

January 15, 2025
January 15, 2025

Syed Jamil Ahmed urges unity through art at Sadhumela

The event, titled “Manush Bhojle Shonar Manush Hobi”, was notably attended by chief guests Law Adviser Asif Nazrul and Ministry of Cultural Affairs adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki.

January 8, 2025
January 8, 2025

‘July Revolution on Posters’: A fusion of art and technology at Shilpakala

Yesterday, the Arts and Production Department of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy launched a live and interactive AR-VR (Augmented-Virtual Reality) exhibition titled "July Revolution on Posters", featuring Debashish Chakrabarty's artworks on the July Uprising. The inauguration ceremony was held at 4:00pm in the Jatiya Chitrashala Auditorium.

December 6, 2024
December 6, 2024

Celebrating December with theatre, qawwali, and cultural festivals across Bangladesh

This December, the country is set to come alive with an extraordinary lineup of cultural festivities, organized by Shilpakala Academy to mark the country's month of victory. From Qawwali performances to theatre festivals, the month-long celebration promises something for everyone. These events, held across districts and major cities, aim to bring art and culture to the public, making them accessible to all.

November 15, 2024
November 15, 2024

When art and politics collide

Dr Samina Luthfa, associate professor at the Department of Sociology in Dhaka University, talks about the recent controversy surrounding Shilpakala Academy and the theatre scene in Bangladesh with Monorom Polok of The Daily Star.

October 28, 2024
October 28, 2024

Shilpakala Academy’s catalytic role against polarisation and extremism

BSA's initiatives in theatre, music, and visual arts have proven to be effective tools for bridging divides in Bangladesh's politically charged environment. The academy's diverse programming speaks to a wide range of Bangladeshis, although often failing to transcend party affiliations and ideological differences.

October 16, 2024
October 16, 2024

Three-day Lalon Festival to return to Shilpakala Academy tomorrow

In honour of Lalon's 134th death anniversary on October 17, the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has organised a three-day festival to celebrate his legacy. A press conference detailing the event will take place today at 3:00pm in the National Theatre Hall seminar room.