Dhaka Makers set to return at Aloki Convention Center
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Building on the vibrant legacies of its previous editions, Dhaka Makers 3, presented by City Bank, returns with a promise to surpass its predecessors. Set to unfold from 30 January to 3 February, 2025, at the Aloki Convention Center at 211 Tejgaon Link, this festival remains a cornerstone event for showcasing the ingenuity of small independent brands and artisans.
Dhaka Makers 3 will feature three main markets: the Makers' Market, the Craft Market, and the Art Market. These segments provide a platform for small independent brands, traditional artisans, and contemporary artists to showcase their unique products and artworks to a broader audience.
At the Makers' Market, visitors will discover a diverse array of handcrafted items ranging from ceramics and stationery to jewellery and home décor. This market emphasises local entrepreneurs' craftsmanship and passion, offering attendees a chance to purchase unique goods and engage directly with the creators.
A new addition to this year's festival, the Craft Market, focuses on Bangladesh's rich heritage crafts. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore and purchase items like Jamdani sarees, bamboo accessories, and Nakshi Kantha quilts. The market will also feature live demonstrations, allowing visitors to observe these traditional skills in action, providing a unique educational component to the shopping experience.
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The Art Market aims to make art more accessible to the public by featuring affordable pieces from emerging artists. This segment will include a variety of media, including paintings, sculptures, and photography, making it an ideal spot for both new and seasoned art collectors to discover fresh talent and purchase original artwork.
In addition to the markets, Dhaka Makers 3 will host a series of workshops led by master artisans and modern crafts makers alike. These workshops will cover a range of skills from traditional crafts like Jamdani weaving and patachitra painting to contemporary practices like typography and eco-friendly leather crafting. These sessions are designed not only to preserve traditional skills but also to inspire and foster creativity among participants.
This year, the festival will also spotlight the local animation industry by featuring works from leading studios such as Ogopogo and Studio Ginko. These studios are involved in international projects and will share their creative processes with attendees. The Demonstration Zone will offer live presentations showcasing unique artistic techniques, adding an interactive element to the festival that promises to captivate visitors' imaginations.
No festival is complete without music, and Dhaka Makers 3 will host a range of musical performances spanning various genres and styles, promising an auditory feast that complements the visual and tactile experiences of the market and workshops.
As Dhaka Makers 3 approaches, it promises to be a transformative gathering for art and craft enthusiasts alike. With over 80 participants, 300 art pieces, and 19 dynamic workshops, the event is poised to ignite a new wave of creativity and connection in Dhaka's cultural scene.
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