Bengal Foundation confers Subir Choudhury Practice Grant

Bengal Foundation instituted the annual Subir Choudhury Practice Grant to commemorate late Trustee of Bengal Foundation Subir Choudhury's lifelong contribution to develop a support structure for artists from Bangladesh. The recipients of the 2015/2016 Subir Choudhury Practice Grant were announced on October 16 at a programme held at Bengal Shilpalaya, Dhanmondi.

Mahfuz Anam, Editor and Publisher of The Daily Star, gracing the occasion as chief guest, handed the grant to Abir Shome and Eshita Mitra Tonny who received Taka 2 lakhs each as grant money. Luva Nahid Choudhury, Director General of Bengal Foundation, elaborated on the Subir Choudhury Practice Grant, its purpose and the painstaking process of selecting the worthiest recipients.

“Artists have to think of bringing about changes for the people, society and country through their artistic efforts. Artists have outstanding abilities to express themselves. They have to speak for humanity and people outside the art arena should attempt to search and revive the inner artistic self and conscience,” said Mahfuz Anam.

“I am indebted to my family for my being an artist. I am grateful to my friend Rafiqul Islam Shubho who taught and inspired me to pursue art. I will try to fulfill my commitment to Bengal Foundation that I expressed through a written statement,” said Abir Shome.

“I am very happy to learn that I have been selected finally as I never thought of getting this honour. I thought I could not work anymore due to lack of inspiration and motivation.  But, this grant has ignited my passion and I'll practice my art wholeheartedly,” said Eshita Mitra Tonny.

Luva Nahid Choudhury also declared Munem Wasif , as a regular art grand awardee of Bengal Foundation.  

 Noted artist Dilara Begum Jolly spoke at the event on behalf of the advisory council for Subir Choudhury Practice Grant. Two other members for the council included eminent artist Syed Jahangir and artist Mahbub Jamal Shamim. Chairman of Bengal Foundation Abul Khair along with eminent artists --Monirul Islam, Hashem Khan and Kalidas Karmakar attended the event. 

The 10 selected artists who applied digitally for the Subir Choudhury Practice Grant 2015-16 were -- Abir Shome (Digital Collage, Printmaking, Drawing, Painting and Video); Afsana Sharmin (Sculpture, Drawing and Performance); Bishwajit Goswami (Painting and Installation); Eshita Mitra Tonny (Sculpture, Printmaking and Video), Md. Pervaj Hasan (Painting); Muhammad Rafiqul Islam (Video, Photography, Digital Collage, Drawing and Painting); Munem Wasif (Photography and Video); Palash Bhattacharjee (Installation, Video and Performance); Sanad Kumar Biswas (Sculpture, Performance, Painting and Drawing) and Shimul Shaha (Installation, Printmaking and Photography).

They all received recognition certificates from Bengal Foundation. Later, a short documentary on Subir Choudhury Practice Grant 2015/16 was screened at the venue.