The United States Ambassador to Bangladesh, Brent Christensen, paid an official visit to Bengal Shilpalay in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, on Wednesday morning. The visit underscored the burgeoning cultural diplomacy between the two nations and highlighted the successful conclusion of a landmark artistic preservation initiative.
During his tour, the Ambassador met with the senior leadership of the Bengal Foundation to receive a comprehensive briefing on the recently concluded S.M. Sultan Art Conservation Project. This ambitious undertaking was made possible through the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), a global US government initiative designed to safeguard significant cultural heritage sites and objects.
Preserving a National Legacy
The project’s primary objective was the rigorous research and meticulous restoration of works by the legendary Bangladeshi painter S.M. Sultan. Known for his larger-than-life depictions of rural struggle and the indomitable spirit of the peasantry, Sultan’s oeuvre required a sophisticated, science-based approach to ensure its longevity.
The initiative did not merely focus on physical repairs; it integrated deep art-historical research to develop sustainable restoration models aligned with Sultan’s unique philosophy. A critical success of the project was the professional training provided to emerging Bangladeshi art conservators. This transfer of technical expertise has significantly bolstered local capacity for safeguarding the nation’s artistic treasures.
Key Highlights of the S.M. Sultan Conservation Project
| Project Component | Description | Impact |
| Funding Source | US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). | Strengthened international cultural ties. |
| Research Focus | Art-historical analysis and Sultan’s philosophy. | Developed culturally sensitive restoration models. |
| Technical Skill | Practical training for local conservators. | Built long-term domestic preservation capacity. |
| Public Access | Documentation and archival of Sultan’s works. | Ensured the legacy is available for future scholars. |
A Comprehensive Cultural Exchange
Ambassador Christensen was warmly received by the Chair of the Bengal Foundation, Abul Khair, alongside Director General and Trustee Luva Nahid Choudhury, and Director Ataur Rahman.
Following a detailed presentation at the Sultan Art Conservation Studio, the Ambassador and his delegation joined Foundation representatives for lunch. The visit continued with a tour of the Quamrul Hassan Exhibition Hall, where a curated selection of the Foundation’s permanent collection was on display. The Ambassador also explored Bengal Boi, taking a keen interest in the Foundation’s broader efforts in publishing, traditional music, and indigenous crafts.
The Ambassador was accompanied by his wife, Diann Daw, and a senior diplomatic delegation, including Deputy Management Officer Jennifer Johnson, Public Affairs Counsellor Monica Shie, and Public Engagement specialists from the US Embassy in Dhaka. This visit reinforces the role of cultural institutions like Bengal Shilpalay in fostering mutual understanding and protecting the world’s shared artistic heritage.