The Dhaka Art Summit 2026: Your Complete Visitor Guide
π Asia
06β15th February 2026
Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, 14/3 Segunbagicha, Ramna, Dhaka, Bangladesh
π Event Overview
The Dhaka Art Summit 2026
Join an elite art fair in its home destination. Your complete overview for The Dhaka Art Summit 2026 features key dates at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, ticketing details, highlighted galleries and creators, and insider guidance on accommodations, cuisine, and parallel arts programming.
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Dates:06β15th February 2026 -
Location:Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, 14/3 Segunbagicha, Ramna, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dhaka Art Summit (DAS) is Asiaβs most radical non-commercial art gathering, exploding across the Shilpakala Academy every two years like a monsoon of critical creativity! π§οΈπ¨
Founded in 2012, the 6th edition (Feb 6β15, 2026) storms in with the theme "Matir Iztihar" (Soil Uprising) β fusing delta ecology, textile activism, and AI-powered folk resistance. Imagine: 300+ artists from Dakar to Dimapur, transforming galleries into floating paddy fields, stitching nakshi kantha quilts with blockchain threads, and staging protest poetry in reclaimed rickshaw garages! π₯
With zero VIP hierarchies and 80% Bangladeshi artists, DAS is where art weaponizes hope. Pro tip: Full-moon performances in the BotTola Banyan Grove will ignite your soul! π³π
Founded in 2012, the 6th edition (Feb 6β15, 2026) storms in with the theme "Matir Iztihar" (Soil Uprising) β fusing delta ecology, textile activism, and AI-powered folk resistance. Imagine: 300+ artists from Dakar to Dimapur, transforming galleries into floating paddy fields, stitching nakshi kantha quilts with blockchain threads, and staging protest poetry in reclaimed rickshaw garages! π₯
With zero VIP hierarchies and 80% Bangladeshi artists, DAS is where art weaponizes hope. Pro tip: Full-moon performances in the BotTola Banyan Grove will ignite your soul! π³π
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Mission:to establish an international, non-commercial research and exhibition platform for South Asian art and architecture, centering Bangladesh while re-examining regional contexts globally π±. -
Organizer:The Samdani Art Foundation
π¨ Key Highlights of The Dhaka Art Summit 2026
- Standout elements include dreamlike installations exploring "TONDRA" landscapes, blending poetry, graffiti, and cinema-inspired narratives π.
- Curated talks and performances will delve into themes of migration, emotion, and imagination, featuring artists from diverse regions π£οΈ.
- Site-specific projects at Shilpakala will create immersive environments, echoing past successes like seismic movements and floods π.
- International collaborations and awards will recognize innovative works, adding layers of prestige πΈ.
- Educational programs for all ages promise interactive fun and deep insights β¨.
Why attend to The Dhaka Art Summit 2026?
- Immerse in the main exhibitions showcasing "TONDRA"-themed artworks from South Asia and beyond βοΈ.
- Join panel discussions on art histories and dream states for enlightening exchanges π€.
- Participate in workshops blending local crafts with contemporary ideas π¨οΈ.
- Explore outdoor performances activating the academy's grounds π.
- Attend film screenings inspired by themes like "Dilbar" for cinematic depth πΏ.
ποΈ Ticket Information
- Entry remains completely free, honoring the summit's commitment to accessibility π.
- No advance tickets needed; simply arrive and register onsite if required π.
- Donations support the foundation's ongoing initiatives πͺ.
π Getting There:
- International travelers fly into Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) in Dhaka, about 10 km from the venue, with a 20-40 minute taxi ride costing 300-500 BDT depending on traffic π±.
- Use rideshare apps like Uber or Pathao for convenient, metered fares around 200-400 BDT from the airport, ensuring GPS-tracked safety π.
- From the airport, take the Airport Road bus to central Dhaka, then transfer to a local rickshaw or CNG auto-rickshaw for the final 2-3 km to Shilpakala Academy π.
- Trains from other Bangladeshi cities arrive at Kamalapur Railway Station, 4 km away, followed by a quick 10-minute rickshaw ride costing 50-100 BDT π΄.
- Buses from regional hubs like Sylhet or Chittagong terminate at Sayedabad or Mohakhali terminals, then hop on a local bus or taxi (100-200 BDT) to Segunbagicha π.
- For eco-conscious arrivals, cycle rickshaws from nearby areas offer a charming, emission-free option at 20-50 BDT per km β.
- Factor in Dhaka's notorious traffic; leave extra time during peak hours, and always negotiate fares with metered taxis for fairness π.
- The venue is centrally located near Shahbag, walkable from hotels like InterContinental or Pan Pacific, blending convenience with urban exploration β.
- Public metro lines, if operational by 2026, could connect the airport directly to central stops near the academy for affordable rides.
- Once at Shilpakala, enter via the main gate on Segunbagicha Road, surrounded by eateries and cultural sites for pre-summit vibes.
Secure Your Spot at The Dhaka Art Summit 2026 β Before Itβs Too Late
Tickets are limited and sell out fast.
Get instant access to the official The Dhaka Art Summit registration page and be the first to know about exclusive events, VIP passes, and travel perks.
π Early access. π« Limited availability. π Global art at your fingertips.
Get instant access to the official The Dhaka Art Summit registration page and be the first to know about exclusive events, VIP passes, and travel perks.
π Early access. π« Limited availability. π Global art at your fingertips.
π¨ Gallery: The Dhaka Art Summit 2026
History of The Dhaka Art Summit 2026
- Founded in 2012 by the Samdani Art Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the Dhaka Art Summit emerged as Bangladesh's first major international art platform, hosting 249 artists at Shilpakala Academy and attracting 40,000 visitors π.
- The 2014 edition expanded to South Asia, featuring five curatorial exhibitions and drawing 70,000 attendees, solidifying its biennial rhythm π.
- In 2016, transnational themes brought 138,000 visitors to 17 solo projects and global loans, marking growth amid regional challenges π .
- The 2018 summit embraced Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean, welcoming 317,000 over nine days with diverse programming π.
- 2020's "Seismic Movements" edition navigated the pandemic's onset, hosting nearly 500,000 and focusing on collective resilience π.
- Delayed from 2022 to 2023 due to COVID, the "Bonna" (flood) themed summit drew over 500,000, touring works internationally and inspiring "TONDRA" π.
- A "nap" in 2024-2025 shifted focus to interim events like the 2025 Srihatta celebration, building energy for 2026's awakening.
- Over 13 years, DAS has influenced careers through awards, residencies, and dialogues, evolving from local roots to a Global South powerhouse.
- Each edition innovates, rejecting biennale norms for generative spaces that foster alliances and re-examine art histories.
- The summit's history reflects Bangladesh's cultural renaissance, turning Dhaka into a must-visit for art enthusiasts worldwide.
π¨ Mission of The Dhaka Art Summit 2026
- Dhaka Art Summit's mission is to establish an international, non-commercial research and exhibition platform for South Asian art and architecture, centering Bangladesh while re-examining regional contexts globally π±.
- It empowers artists and publics through inclusive programs that advance creative communities and ethical practices π.
- By fostering dialogues beyond borders, DAS aims to democratize art access and nurture underrepresented narratives β€οΈ.
- The foundation promotes sustainability through residencies, awards, and year-round engagements that build lasting ecosystems π.
- Ultimately, it seeks to awaken new ways of seeing, using themes like "TONDRA" to bridge dreams and realities for societal transformation.
- This mission extends to education, ensuring art inspires generations in the Global South.
π‘ Tips for Visitors of The Dhaka Art Summit 2026
- Arrive early to beat crowds and fully enter the "TONDRA" state without rush π¦.
- Download the summit's app or check the website for real-time schedules and maps π€.
- Wear comfy attire for Dhaka's mild February weather and extensive walking π.
- Engage locals at food stalls near the venue for authentic Bangladeshi flavors π.
- Network during talks to connect with artists from across South Asia π .
- Respect photography rules and immerse without distractions π·.
- Explore nearby Dhaka sites like Ahsan Manzil post-summit for cultural depth πΈ.
- Stay hydrated and pace yourselfβdreams await in every corner! π
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Official The Dhaka Art Summit 2026 Tickets
Official The Dhaka Art Summit 2026 Tickets
Donβt miss your chance to attend one of the worldβs leading art fairs. Get direct access to the official ticketing page, exclusive updates, and important visitor information.
ποΈ Priority access. π¬ Expert tips. π Dhaka-ready.
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