Art Projects

Reviving traditional arts through innovative contemporary projects and collaborations.

Centre for Traditional & Contemporary Arts

Jothashilpa Studio Limited a centre for traditional and contemporary arts, with the mission of supporting, revitalizing, developing, and enhancing the traditional art and crafts sector in Bangladesh. Since its establishment in 2016, Jothashilpa has functioned as a convergence point for diverse art forms, including fine art, folk art, native art, and crafts, fostering the creation of a new artistic language. The studio has collaborated closely with thousands of artisans and folk artists from both rural and urban settings, including skilled women in hand embroidery, traditional jamdani weavers, cinema banner painters, and rickshaw artists. It acts as a platform for interaction between traditional and contemporary academic artists, while also striving to connect traditional practices with modern technologies.

The main strength of our production system consists of both contemporary and traditional artists and artisans. Approximately 2,665 individuals, residing in various regions of Bangladesh, contribute to the production system alongside Jothashilpa. These skilled artists specialize in a diverse array of crafts, including paintings, terracotta art, bamboo and cane creations, weaving, hand embroidery, jute crafts, clay works, woodworking, rickshaw art, cinema banners, jewellery, metal crafts, binding, and printing, among others.

Objectives and Aspirations

There exists a significant disparity between local artists and artisans and the contemporary market system. Jothashilpa aims to serve as a bridge connecting highly skilled local artisans with discerning modern consumers and traders from around the world.

Our products and designs are crafted to harmonize traditional elements with contemporary trends. We are committed to excellence by honouring our heritage while integrating technology and innovation to wrap the modern preferences.

The designs featured in our diverse range of products are distinctive and appealing, evoking a sense of nostalgia and wonder among our customers. We prioritize creating viable working environments for artisans who are at risk of losing their craftsmanship and livelihoods due to an unfavourable consumer ecology.

Values

We values Fair Trade principles. We directly support local artisans by providing equitable trading conditions, and we take pride in the fact that our values consistently inspire them. We believe that transparency and acknowledgment are integral to our operations at Jothashilpa. Our focus is on creating a conducive working environment for both rural female artists and urban local artisans.

Empowering women and fostering community development are among our primary objectives. Jothashilpa actively promotes and implements inclusion and diversity throughout all levels of our organization. We are committed to engaging with, supporting, and recognizing the contributions of artisans from various communities, irrespective of their race, religion, gender, or ethnicity.

Activities

Cinema Banner Painting Workshop 2016

A 5-day long Cinema Banner Painting workshop was organized by Jothashilpa in association with NNEDF in December 2016. Traditional Cinema Banner painters Mohammad Shoaib and Sukumar Dhar has conducted the workshop while artist and researcher Shawon Akand curated the event. The workshop was held at Singair, Manikganj and was attended by artists of different disciplines and schools across the country.

Art Workshop for Children at LEEDO Peace Home in 2017

Jothashilpa organized a 3-day art workshop for the children of LEEDO Peace Home (a charity organization working for street children).

Cinema Banner Painting Workshop 2019

Jothashilpa organized a weeklong Cinema Banner Painting workshop in association with The Samdani Artists Led Initiatives Forum from October 5 to 11, 2019. The workshop was held in the Jothashilpa Studio at Adabor, Dhaka. Master artist Mohammad Shoaib conducted the workshop while 5 selected artists participated under artist and researcher Shawon Akand’s curation.

Diversified Jamdani Product Design Workshop 2020

Jothashilpa and Pidim Foundation in collaboration with PKSF (Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation) has organized a workshop on diversified Jamdani product designing. Shawon Aakand (Director of Jothashilpa, artist & researcher) and Shamim Reza (Assistant Professor, Fine Art, Jahangirnagar University) conducted the workshop. Students from Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University, Shanto- Mariam University of Creative Technology, BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology along with designers and representatives of various fashion houses participated in this workshop. The workshop was held on 10 & 11 March 2020 at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

Artist in Residency

Delhi based multi-disciplinary artist Tapati Chowdhury was an artist in residence at Jothashilpa from mid-June to mid-July in 2017. During her time at Jothashilpa Tapati had the opportunity to explore the local art scene of Bangladesh, develop relationships with local artisans and collaborated with them in creating artworks with new designs. She later talked about her experience and learnings in an artist’s talk program organized by Jothashilpa.

Publications

“Sixes” (Six-word stories) by Hossain Al Mamun

Gallery

Celebrating traditional and contemporary arts from Bangladesh's rich heritage.