Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) on Wednesday inaugurated a three-day art camp titled ‘Canvas 24: Epic of Liberation’, bringing together 55 eminent and emerging artists to commemorate the July Mass Uprising through visual art.
Organised by the academy’s Fine Arts Department, the camp began at the National Art Gallery Plaza with the aim of capturing the memories, spirit and aspirations for freedom associated with the July uprising. Running until 17 July, participating artists will create works inspired by the uprising’s history, public resistance, sacrifice and the quest for liberation.
Speaking as the chief guest, Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, MP, said the initiative was intended to ensure that past injustices are not be repeated.
“Through the brushes of the participating artists, the memories of July will be brought to life on canvas,” he said.
Special guest Dr Jahed Ur Rahman, Adviser for Policy and Strategy at the Ministries of Information and Broadcasting and Cultural Affairs, said 15 July marked the beginning of the uprising’s main movement.
“From 15 July, the movement intensified, with many female students among those injured. We want to preserve the history, spirit and different dimensions of July through every possible art form so that its significance remains alive for future generations,” he said.
He added that the academy hoped the art camp would encourage young aspiring artists by allowing them to observe the works of some of the country’s leading painters.
Delivering the welcome address, BSA Director General and poet Rezauddin Stalin said the academy planned to organise a national exhibition featuring artworks produced during the camp.
“We want to move forward carrying the spirit of July. Fifty-five artists are participating in this art camp, and the paintings created here will later be showcased at a national exhibition,” he said.
The inaugural ceremony was also attended by Professor Dr Azharul Islam Sheikh, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University, Ekushey Padak-winning artist Monirul Islam, artist and academic Professor Dr Abdus Sattar, while Cultural Affairs Secretary Kaniz Mowla presided over the event.
The art camp is being held daily from 10:00am to 5 pm from 15-17 July 2026, with participating artists portraying the July Mass Uprising’s history, sacrifices, people’s struggle and aspirations for liberation through their individual artistic expressions. Organisers believe the initiative will make a significant contribution to Bangladesh’s contemporary visual arts landscape.
