A new art collection highlighting Bangladesh’s artistic heritage was unveiled on 19 June at Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport in Dhaka, where the hotel partnered with Bhumi Gallery to present a curated selection of works in a setting that brought together diplomats, business leaders and members of the creative community.
The unveiling took place at CONNEXIONS, where guests moved through the space engaging directly with the artworks. The event combined the exhibition with a curated high tea, creating an informal atmosphere that encouraged conversation around culture, travel and identity.
The initiative, developed in partnership with Bhumi Gallery, is positioned as more than a decorative installation. It is intended to provide local artists with visibility in a hospitality environment that connects them with an international audience, offering a platform for work that might otherwise remain unseen beyond domestic circles.
Rather than functioning as a conventional showcase, the event emphasised accessibility and interaction. Guests engaged with the artworks in a relaxed setting, with discussions naturally forming around themes of memory, place and craftsmanship.
Ashwani Nayar, Area General Manager IHG Southwest Asia and Cluster General Manager of Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport and InterContinental Dhaka Airport, described the initiative as an effort to move beyond simple display and toward meaningful engagement with artists.
He said hospitality spaces are uniquely placed to introduce Bangladesh’s artistic expression to a global audience, given their ability to bring together diverse visitors from around the world.
He also noted that the aim was to ensure artists feel seen and supported, rather than treating their work as a purely commercial feature of the space.
With Bhumi Gallery acting as a cultural partner, the project reflects a broader interest in integrating art into hospitality environments as a form of cultural exchange. For many attendees, the exhibition provided an introduction to the diversity of contemporary Bangladeshi art.
As the event concluded, the collection remained framed not as a temporary display but as a continuing presence within the hotel, intended to engage guests as part of their experience of the space.
