United States ambassador to Bangladesh, Earl Robert Miller and Bangla Academy Director General Mohammad Nurul Huda inaugurated the US-funded cultural preservation project on SM Sultan's artworks at Bengal Shilpalay, Dhanmondi in the capital on Tuesday.

Former Dhaka University professor, writer Syed Manzoorul Islam was present as the guest of honour and spoke the life and works of SM Sultan at the programme.

The three-year initiative, funded through the US government's prestigious Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), supports study, analysis, and restoration of the largest collection of paintings by one of Bangladesh's most celebrated artists and will train young Bangladeshi conservation professionals on sustainable conservation techniques, methodologies, and restoration models. 

Syed Manzoorul Islam recalled his interaction with the artist and mentioned that Sultan had broken the barrier of high art and low art from his very first exhibition. During his speech, he elaborated Sultan's take on the subaltern world view and his lifelong consistent effort to produce counter narratives and bring the rural in the center of attention.

Mohammad Nurul Huda reminisced about Sultan as a young officer at Bangla Academy, and shared his attachment with his work "Chordokhol", which inspired him to make it the cover of his book.

"Sultan is important to us not only for valuable impact in history of modern art in Bangladesh, but for his world view and his rootedness and extraordinary conviction for the village life," mentioned Luva Nahid Choudhury, the Director General of Bengal Foundation, during the event.

The initiative will also train young Bangladeshi conservation professionals on sustainable conservation techniques, methodologies and restoration models.

Ambassador Miller presented a ceremonial plaque to Bengal Foundation's director general Luva Nahid Chowdhury to formally inaugurate the project.

The exhibition displays artworks created by SM Sultan, photographs of the legendary artist as well as books, magazines and films on him.

The exhibition will remain open for visitors till December 4.