Putting Bangladesh on the global art map
Rajeeb and Nadia Samdani, masterminds behind the Dhaka Art Summit, become the first recipients of the prestigious Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award from the Middle East and South Asia region.
The duo was handed the award in a ceremony held in Dubai, UAE on September 13, in recognition of their work with Dhaka Art Summit and contribution to the arts through the Samdani Art Foundation. The Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award was established in 1992 to recognise the work and contributions of modern day art patrons, and has in the past honoured personalities like Prince Charles, Japanese artist Yoko Ono, theatre director and playwright Robert Wilson, award-winning musician, composer and record producer Quincy Jones, film producer and founder of the LUMA Foundation Maja Hoffmann, and Italian architect Renzo Piano. This is the first time, however, that the award was given in the South asia and Middle East region.
The evening was hosted by Montblanc Cultural Foundation chairmen Sam Bardaouil and Till Fellrath, where the Samdanis received the award. This award also includes cash prize of 15000 Euro for the benefit of the art sector and the Samdanis are donating the prize money to the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy towards the development of Bangladeshi local art scene.
Talking to The Daily Star, Rajeeb Samdani said “We started this foundation only six years ago, with the target of putting Bangladesh on the global art map. Art, culture and music is in our blood; it is in our system, and it is our area of strength to represent Bangladesh. And our agenda was to positively brand Bangladesh through art. We are thankful to the Cultural Affairs Ministry and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, because without their support and partnership we couldn't have done it. And this award is a big inspiration for us because it is one of the biggest award for art and culture patronage.”
The Samdanis are among 17 winners around the world selected by an international jury of art experts and practitioners brought together by the Montblanc Cultural Foundation. Candidates are evaluated on their history of personal commitment to the arts, and enabling wider access to cultural projects.
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