Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on Friday celebrated its 47th founding anniversary with acrobatic shows, dance and recitation performances, discussion, exhibitions, and songs.

The festivities started at 10am with the hoisting of the national flag and the academy's flag.

Later, a special exhibition - featuring notable activities of all departments of the academy since its foundation in 1974 - was inaugurated at 4pm at Gallery-2 and Gallery-3 of the National Art Gallery.

Shilpakala Academy Director General Liaquat Ali Lucky lifted the curtain on the week-long exhibition.

Also, the academy organised a discussion at its Nandan Mancha in the evening where State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid was present as chief guest.

"Today, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has become one of the iconic and dedicated cultural hubs in the world. Over the years, the academy and all of its associates have helped build its reputation," Khalid said.

Liaquat Ali said, "Against all the odds, Shilpakala Academy has been nurturing the arts and culture of Bangladesh since its inception. Our journey did not stop even during the Covid-19. We regularly arranged cultural events and webinars and supported the artistes."

A cultural event - featuring enthralling dance performances by Shilpakala artistes and musical performances by popular band Spandan - took place following the discussion.

Coordinated by Bangladesh Dance Artistes' Association President Minu Haque, noted and promising artistes including Farhana Chowdhury Baby, Anik Bose, Shahidul Islam Babu, Smita Dey and Munmun performed a group dance recital with the song "Himalay Theke Sundarban."

Nilufar Wahid Papri and Sazu Ahmed staged a Kathak dance recital and Dipa Khandaker, Selina Haque and Sultana Haider performed a traditional Dhamail dance.

And Tamanna Rahman, Subrata and Arthy performed a Manipuri dance and Benjir Salam, Minu Haque, Maietri Sarkar and Jasim an Odissi dance.

Also, Afrina Afroj Chowdhury, Lubna and Shamim performed a Kathakali dance, and Rachel Priyanka Perris, Laboni and Mousumi Gaudiya dance.

And Baby Rozario, Belayet Hossain and Salma Begum Munni performed a Bharatanatyam dance recital at the event.

Also, the artistes of the dance troupe Nrityanchal presented a dance recital - directed by acclaimed dancer-choreographer Shamim Ara Nipa - with the song "Majhi Nao Chhariya De."

Noted recitation artiste Shimul Mustapha recited poems, while Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Acrobatic Troupe performed shows including cap dance, high cycle balance, cycle balance, and blanket balance.

Shilpakala Academy is the "only national institute for the development of arts and culture in Bangladesh."

And it was set up for the study and practice of arts in all the districts and upazilas of Bangladesh.

To spread cultural activities, the district Shilpakala Academy has been set up in five districts of the country. In each district, there is a cultural officer who runs the activities of the district Art Academy.

With a state-of-the-art gallery building, a dedicated theatre building; dedicated music, dance and recitation building and a training building on its premises, Shilpakala frequently hosts discussions and programmes.

It also organises cultural events such as theatrical productions, musical recitations and dance performances, and painting or photography exhibitions.

Besides its regular activities and events at its Segun Bagicha headquarters in Dhaka, Shilpakala is now operating in all 64 districts and 492 upazilas of the country.