SHIKOR
R O O T S
What are the Shikor Projects?
“Shikor | Roots”, a year long art program, is initiated by Bangladesh Art Week as an annual event. It is an exclusive collaboration between artists, designers and local artisans of low-income rural families.
Sirajganj | chattogram Munshiganj
2020 PROJECT
To commemorate its maiden anniversary, Bangladesh Art Week has launched a community based, collaborative and contemporary art project titled “Shikor | Roots” in Chattogram and Sirajganj. This art project will provide financial, creative and educative support to 77 local artisans and their 387 family members from both Chattogram and Sirajganj. The vulnerable communities including weaver, blacksmith, carpenter, mason, fisherman, folk singer, folk artist, potter, goldsmith and bamboo, cane, Shitalpati and Nakshikantha weavers will be directly benefited through this art programme during this difficult times of COVID-19 pandemic as a mean to earn livelihood and family income, with artist and designers led teams on the ground. Through this art initiative, artisan families from Chattogram and Sirajganj, Bangladesh, will be assisted for the entire period of the project.
Bangladesh Art Week Founder Niharika Momtaz will curate the entire art projects. Two participating artists -- Sanjay Kumar Das from Chattogram and Zahangir Alom from Sirajganj will coordinate their respective projects from two places. Both prominent and promising names from the design and art arena, have already interacted with their respective local artisans. Creative works are underway.
An exhibition showcasing the outcomes of the community-based art project between the period (2020-2021). The artworks will be in the form of Gamucha Art, Weaving Art, Hand embroidered art, handloom fabric art, Wooden art, Terra-cotta art, Bamboo art, Brick art, Folk art and folk songs performance.
Artist Zahangir Alom will school the children of the participating artisan families in Sirajganj with art education throughout the art project.
Co-Founder Mohammed Mohsin mentioned “This project is to encourage new experimentation in regards to community engagement.” While, Founder Niharika Momtaz said
“As an organization BAW’s aim is to create a balance of influence in the artistic process between the artists, designer and the community weavers, art & craftsmen.”
All of Bangladesh Art Week’s activities supported by Niharika Momtaz (Founder) and Mohammed Mohsin (Co Founder).
“The urge to create is equally strong in all children. Boys and girls. It’s Imagination that counts. Not skill. You build whatever comes into your head, the way you want it. A bed or a truck. A doll house or a spaceship.” - LEGO
(A lego letter to parents from 1974)
“Shikor ROOTS”, a year long art program, is initiated by Bangladesh Art Week as an annual event. It is an exclusive collaboration between artists, designers and local artisans of low-income rural families.
Artist Zahangir Alom Is schooling the children of the participating artisan families in Sirajganj with art education throughout the art project.
Treasures will be explored in words, film and more. Discover our community artworks through a range of activities to enjoy at home.
Curator Niharika Momtaz
Shirajgang Coordinator Zahangir alom