The Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy is set for a major transformation with the government’s approval of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, a reform designed to expand its departments, modernise governance, and strengthen support for contemporary artistic practices.
The ordinance was officially approved on January 8, 2026, marking a long-awaited milestone for the country’s premier arts institution.
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Under the new framework, the Academy’s divisions have increased from six to nine. For the first time, Film has been established as a standalone department, while Photography has been added as a new category. These changes respond to long-standing demands from artists and cultural practitioners. In addition, New Media, Cultural Branding, and Festivals have been formally integrated into the Academy’s departmental structure, reflecting an effort to align with current global and technological trends in the arts.
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The reorganised divisions now include Music, Fine Arts, Theatre Arts, Film, Dance and other Performing Arts, Photography, Cultural Branding, Festivals, and Production, Research, Publication and New Media, and Administration and Finance. This expansion is intended to provide a more systematic framework for the development, promotion, and preservation of Bangladesh’s diverse artistic disciplines.
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Governance reforms have been equally significant. Previously, only three divisions were represented on the Academy’s board. Under the revised ordinance, eight representatives—one from each of the arts divisions—will now participate in decision-making. Additionally, a seat has been reserved for a representative from a minority community, making the board more inclusive and reflective of the country’s diverse artistic landscape.
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Cultural observers have described the amendment as a “transformative step” that strengthens the Academy’s ability to respond to modern artistic challenges, support innovation, and engage with global cultural trends. By expanding both its structural and governance frameworks, the Academy aims to provide a more inclusive, participatory, and forward-looking platform for Bangladesh’s artists and cultural practitioners.
