The 21st edition of National Art Exhibition begins today at the National Art Gallery of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA).

Organised by BSA, this year's exhibition features 273 artworks by 261 artists. At the 20 day exhibition, 158 paintings, 32 prints, 49 sculptures, three performance arts and 31 installations and video installations will be on display.

A press conference was held in this regard at National Art Gallery auditorium on May 21. BSA Director General Liaquat Ali Lucky, Secretary Jahangir Hossain Chowdhury and Anwar Hossain, director of Fine Arts Department of BSA spoke at the press conference.    

Initially, 699 artists submitted a total of 1660 artworks, out of which 273 were selected by a five-member jury committee comprising artist Rafiqun Nabi, Professor Samarjit Roy Chowdhury, Dr. Farida Zaman, Professor Nisar Hossain and artist Md. Eunus for exhibition.

Chief guest Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith will inaugurate the exhibition at 5pm today. Cultural affairs minister Asaduzzaman Noor and acting secretary to the same ministry Aktari Mamtaz will be present as special guests. Liaquat Ali Lucky, director general of BSA, will preside over the programme. Anwar Hossain, director of Fine Arts Department, BSA will deliver the welcome address at the programme.

A total of 10 awards including “Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Award” (one best award), “Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Honourable Mention Awards” (three awards); “Bengal Foundation Award”, “Society for Promotion of Bangladesh Art Award”, “AB Bank Award”, “Bhasha Sainik Gaziul Haque Award”, “Dipa Hoq Award” and “Begum Azizunnesa Award” will be conferred on deserving artists.

The objective of this exhibition is to bring together artists belonging to different age groups, working in different mediums and techniques. The event has also become a platform, encouraging exchange of ideas between artists, critics and art enthusiasts. The exhibition, opening from 11am to 8pm except Fridays (3pm to 8pm) will continue till June 13.