Afsana Aziz Nitol

A one-hour dance drama, 'Nohi debi nohi shamannya nari', that potrays the multiple personas of the mythological princess warrior, Chitrangada, was recently staged at Chhayanaut Cultural Centre.

Sayeeda Khanam, the first woman photographer of Bangladesh, is an inspiration to many, for her courageous endeavours. Famous

Tasmina Khan Majles, a visual artist based in Melbourne, recently showcased her work in a solo exhibition titled Remnants of the Past.

Academic and artist Naeem Mohaiemen, who was nominated last year for the UK's prestigious Turner Prize (the Prize eventually went to Scotland's Charlotte Prodger), is one of the most informed people of our time.

In this project, each photographer narrates their take on masculinity through visual representation. By exploring masculinity historically and culturally, they try to reframe and challenge the concept of it.

During a discussion at Goethe-Institut Bangladesh on the fourth day of Chobi Mela X, singer and songwriter Moushumi Bhowmik showed how sounds and videos found their way into photography exhibitions, referring to her archives of songs and sounds.

On the first day of Chobimela X, a discussion session on 'Freedom of Thought and Expression', a topic that is quite relevant in today's context, was held at the Drik-Pathshala under-construction building.

The premise of The Daily Star-Bengal Arts Precinct came alive yesterday, amidst the gloomy weather, with songs of language and love.

Many brave souls, both men and women, fought for our mother language Bangla during the 1952 Language Movement. However, the names of women language fighters hardly appear in written history.

The Ekushey Grantha Mela plays an essential role in the life of cover artist and illustrator, Sarah Toufika. She believes that the books published in the fair every year, bring immense joy in readers' lives.

To celebrate the menstrual cycle through music, dance, and art, Jatra Bangladesh Limited has organised a five-day long festival titled Lal. The festival, providing a platform for women to talk about menstruation openly, started on the night of full moon on February 19.

Cover artists across the country become extremely busy during the month of February, and Kheya Mezba Shormi is no different.

Cover artist Indira Sarker Chaity has devoted her life to art since childhood. When her fellow classmates aspired to be doctors and engineers, she dreamt of filling her canvas with creativity.

An Indian and Bangladeshi collaborative lyrical-musical-dance ensemble, titled Madhur Basanta, was recently held at the main auditorium of Chhayanaut. Indira Gandhi Cultural Center (IGCC), in collaboration with Indian High Commission, Bangladesh, organised the event to celebrate spring in Bangladesh.

Actor, dancer and a writer, Ashna Habib Bhabna, is often struck by the little things of everyday life. Aspiring to tell the stories that affect her so deeply, Bhabna recently published a book titled Tara in this year's Ekushey Boi Mela. In an interview with The Daily Star, she talks about her new book, and other projects.

In 1963, music exponent, educationist and Ekushey Padak winner Pandit Barin Mazumder, founded the Government Music College in Agargaon, Dhaka. To commemorate the 98th birth anniversary of the maestro, Government Music College recently organised a two-day long music festival titled Pandit Barin Mazumder Sangeet Utshab 2019, at its premises.

Her love for those colourful book covers stayed the same after all these years. Using mostly watercolour wash techniques, Keya now designs book-covers that spark the interest of many readers. She also uses acrylic paints and pencils for her work.

This year, in the Ekushey Boi Mela, Tirtho has designed covers of books by renowned writers, including the likes of Habibullah Siraji and Khasru Choudhury.

Cover artist Niaz Chowdhury Tuli has been designing books for the Ekushey Grantha Mela since the last 19 years. “I have worked for each Boi Mela since 2000 with utmost sincerity. Passion makes one do so,” says the artist.

Professional Photographers Affiliation Bangladesh (PPAB) organised Bangladesh Photographers Award 2019, which is a part of World Photographic Cup 2019 – an international photo competition.