Dhaka’s cultural landscape witnessed a vibrant celebration of creativity and collective expression as HerNet Fine Arts successfully hosted its much-anticipated art exhibition of 2026 titled “Give to Gain.” Held at the International Recreation Club (IC Club), Gulshan, the exhibition ran from 24 February to 15 March 2026, bringing together celebrated artists, emerging talents, cultural patrons, and art enthusiasts in a dynamic space that celebrated the evolving spirit of contemporary Bangladeshi art.
The exhibition was curated by Alisha Pradhan, founder of HerNet Foundation, whose sustained commitment to cultural development and artistic empowerment has positioned her as an influential figure within Bangladesh’s creative landscape. Under her leadership, HerNet Fine Arts has curated more than a dozen exhibitions, organized art camps and dialogues, and consistently provided platforms that nurture both established and emerging artists. Her curatorial approach blends thoughtful global perspective with a deep appreciation of Bangladesh’s artistic heritage, creating spaces where creativity, dialogue, and collaboration flourish.
The exhibition was hosted and managed by Sabyasachi Paul, Head of Strategy and Sustainability at HerNet Foundation, who also co-curated the exhibition alongside Ms. Pradhan. His strategic leadership and coordination ensured the seamless execution of the event, reflecting HerNet’s growing professionalism in arts management. From a sustainability perspective, Paul emphasized the importance of building cultural initiatives that are socially meaningful and institutionally resilient. His work highlighted how art platforms can contribute not only to cultural enrichment but also to sustainable community engagement, responsible event management, and long-term cultural development within Bangladesh’s creative ecosystem.
The formal inauguration ceremony took place on the evening of 24 February 2026 and was chaired by Monir Prodhan, Chairman of HerNet Foundation. In his address, he emphasized the role of art as a powerful vehicle for preserving national identity and cultural continuity. He noted that initiatives such as “Give to Gain” are essential in strengthening Bangladesh’s artistic voice while encouraging future generations to engage with cultural expression.
The Chief Guest of the evening was the legendary artist and Ekushey Padak awardee Rokeya Sultana, who praised the initiative and highlighted the importance of sustained platforms that support artists and nurture creative dialogue. She noted that exhibitions such as this are vital for preserving the artistic soul of Bangladesh and for encouraging younger artists to develop their voices within a supportive cultural environment.
Among the distinguished speakers, IC Club’s General Manager Mr. Mahmud commended the collaboration, describing it as a meaningful step toward strengthening cultural engagement within the community. Guillaume Ragu, Director and Board Member of IC Club, spoke about the importance of international cultural dialogue, emphasizing that art serves as a universal language capable of transcending geographical and cultural boundaries. Rayan Pradhan, the young Director of HerNet Foundation, shared his optimism about inspiring the next generation to participate actively in Bangladesh’s evolving art landscape.
The opening evening also saw the presence of several notable guests, including renowned artist Shama Shaiom and Indian artist Ms. Menka, whose participation added an international dimension to the event. Their presence reflected the growing regional appreciation for Bangladesh’s contemporary art initiatives and underscored HerNet Fine Arts’ vision of fostering cross-border artistic dialogue.
Throughout its three-week run, the exhibition presented a compelling collection of artworks spanning diverse styles and mediums. Visitors explored paintings, installations, and mixed media works that reflected themes of resilience, identity, heritage, and imagination. The gallery spaces at IC Club transformed into a lively hub of cultural exchange, where artists, collectors, and visitors engaged in thoughtful discussions about the role of art in shaping social consciousness and preserving cultural narratives.
A significant highlight of the exhibition was the recitation ceremony and Slam Poetry session held on 27 February, organized by Thaahor. The event brought together several prominent voices from the literary and performance art community, including Katerina Don, along with other distinguished performers. Through powerful spoken word performances and evocative recitations, the session added a rich interdisciplinary dimension to the exhibition. By blending poetry with visual art, the program deepened the exhibition’s emotional resonance and created a dynamic cultural dialogue where literature and visual creativity intersected, further enriching the overall artistic experience.
Another major highlight was the Live Art Camp organized on 7 March, which introduced an interactive and participatory element to the exhibition. Young Bangladeshi artists painted live before visitors, capturing the energy, aspirations, and cultural vibrance of the country’s youth. The participating artists included Faizur Rahman Firoz, Suraiya Rahman, Miftahul Zannat Naberi, and Saheb Chowdhury, each contributing unique artistic interpretations that reflected contemporary social themes while remaining rooted in Bangladesh’s cultural identity.
The live art camp created a rare opportunity for audiences to witness the artistic process in real time. Visitors observed how ideas evolved from initial sketches into expressive compositions, fostering a deeper appreciation for the dedication and creativity behind artistic production. The initiative also provided emerging artists with a valuable platform to showcase their talents before a diverse audience of art patrons, cultural figures, and collectors.
In the broader context of HerNet Foundation’s cultural initiatives, the live art camp reflected the organization’s ongoing commitment to nurturing young artistic voices and strengthening Bangladesh’s creative ecosystem. By integrating live artistic production within the exhibition environment, HerNet Fine Arts demonstrated how art spaces can become collaborative environments where artists and audiences interact directly. Such initiatives play an important role in cultivating cultural curiosity, encouraging artistic experimentation, and inspiring future generations of Bangladeshi creatives.
The exhibition concluded with its closing ceremony on 15 March 2026, marking the successful culmination of three weeks of artistic engagement, dialogue, and cultural celebration. Artists, organizers, and guests gathered to reflect on the exhibition’s achievements and the vibrant community it fostered. The closing day celebrated not only the artworks displayed but also the connections, conversations, and collaborations that emerged throughout the event, reaffirming the exhibition’s spirit of generosity and shared creativity.
“Give to Gain” ultimately proved to be more than an art exhibition. It became a cultural gathering point where art, literature, and community intersected to create meaningful dialogue and creative inspiration. Through thoughtful curation, diverse programming, and strong organizational leadership, HerNet Fine Arts once again demonstrated its growing influence within Bangladesh’s cultural landscape.
Looking ahead, HerNet Fine Arts has announced that it will continue organizing initiatives centered on art and culture in the coming months. The organization is already preparing its second exhibition at the same venue in April, which will celebrate Pohela Boishakh, the Bengali New Year, promising another vibrant platform that will highlight the richness of Bangladeshi artistic traditions and contemporary creativity.
As the gallery lights dimmed on the final evening of “Give to Gain,” the exhibition left behind more than a collection of artworks. It reaffirmed the enduring belief that when art is shared generously and supported collectively, it strengthens communities, nurtures culture, and inspires future generations to imagine and create.