The US Ambassador to Bangladesh, Brent Christensen, paid a visit to the SM Sultan Art Conservation Project at Bengal Shilpalay in the capital city. Upon his arrival, he was warmly welcomed by Bengal Foundation Chair Abul Khair, Director General and Trustee Luva Nahid Choudhury, and Director Ataur Rahman.
During his tour, Ambassador Christensen engaged with the Bengal Foundation’s leadership team and was briefed on the recently completed SM Sultan Art Conservation Project, which was executed by Bengal Foundation with backing from the US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). The initiative specifically aimed at researching and preserving artworks by the renowned Bangladeshi artist, SM Sultan, as highlighted in a statement by the Bengal Foundation.
The project intricately blended profound art-historical research to steer sustainable conservation methodologies and restoration approaches in line with Sultan’s unique artistic principles and beliefs. A significant facet of the project was the training provided to emerging Bangladeshi art conservators, thereby enriching local conservation proficiency and ensuring long-term preservation capabilities.
Ambassador Christensen also explored the Quamrul Hassan Exhibition Hall at Bengal Shilpalay, where a curated selection of artworks from the Bengal Foundation Collection was being showcased. Additionally, he toured the Bengal Boi facilities, gaining insights into the Foundation’s endeavors in publishing, music, and crafts.
Accompanying Ambassador Christensen were his wife, Deanne Dao, along with US Embassy Deputy Management Officer Jennifer Johnson, Public Affairs Counselor Monica Shie, Public Engagement Specialist Raihana Sultana, and Public Engagement Coordinator Faroha Suhrawardy.