Charupith Art Research Institute
Our Approach
Charupith Art Research Institute is a leading art, research, and cultural organization dedicated to the diffusion and decentralization of art through research, education, and creative practice. Charupith believes that art is an integral part of human life and a vital force in building a conscious and humane society.
Art creates a deep connection between nature and life, guiding society toward peace, harmony, and creativity. Inspired by this philosophy, Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin laid the foundation of institutional art education in East Bengal in 1948. Following this vision, Charupith began its journey in 1985 by offering art classes for children in Jessore.
Later, Charupith established its permanent center beside Jessore Club on Munshi Meherullah Road, marking a significant chapter in the history of Bangladeshi art. Believing that artistic awareness must begin in childhood, Charupith operates art schools in Jessore town and surrounding villages.
To date, nearly 8,000 children have participated in Charupith’s art programs, many of whom have pursued higher education and careers in creative fields at home and abroad.
Charupith has introduced several seasonal and folk festivals reflecting the six seasons of Bangladesh, including Poush Mela, Basanta Utshab, Barshamangal Utshab, Ghuri Utshab, Gorugari Shobhajatra, and Nabanna Utshab. Its most significant contribution is the Mangal Shobhajatra, now recognized as a national cultural event.
Charupith houses a modern art gallery with over 150 exhibitions, artist studios, research fellowships, and a well-equipped art library. Over the past 25 years, Charupith has grown into a complete and exemplary institution, committed to connecting art with every aspect of society and life.
01.
— Mission
To promote art through education, research, and creative practice, making art accessible to all and nurturing creativity and human values from childhood.
02.
— Vision
To build a creative, humane, and harmonious society by integrating art into everyday life.
03.
— Story
Founded in 1985 through art education for children in Jessore, Charupith has grown into a comprehensive art and research institution connecting art with people’s lives through education, festivals, exhibitions, and research.
Activities of Charupith
a. Children’s Art School: Shishubhuban
Objective
Believing that children are the most fertile ground for sowing the seeds of art, Charupith operates art schools for children in Jessore town and surrounding villages. Emphasis is placed on joy, freedom, and creativity, allowing children to grow up within a vibrant social environment shaped by Bengali festivals and cultural traditions.
Since 1985, more than 5,000 children have participated in Charupith’s art education programs. Many of them have completed higher education at home and abroad and are now established in various creative professions. Currently, around 300 students are enrolled in Shishubhuban.
Structure and Teaching Method
Shishubhuban operates two to three days a week. The school in Jessore functions as the central hub, while rural “Charu Learning Centers” extend art education to nearby villages. Teaching is conducted by a team of traveling instructors supported by assistant teachers.
b. Charupith Nisarga Khelaghar
Objective
Charupith Nisarga Khelaghar is a pre-primary education center for children aged 3–4 years, grounded in nature and culture. Its goal is to nurture imagination, creativity, and human values through a book-free learning approach.
Curriculum
The learning process integrates play, drawing, dance, music, recitation, drama, sculpture, nature study, and hands-on activities such as preparing food. Together, these elements create a lively and holistic educational experience.
Charupith provides artists with opportunities for focused art practice and research through:
-Residential Art Research Fellowship
-Printmaking Studio
-Sculpture Center
-Art Workshops and Art Camps
To promote the dissemination of art knowledge, Charupith has established an Audio-Visual Art Library and Archive, which includes:
A collection of art books and reading facilities
Computer lab with digital access
Lecture-based films on visual arts, including painting, sculpture, architecture, dance, theatre, film, music, and design
The library currently holds nearly 1,000 books and continues to grow.
In 2004, Charupith established the first art gallery in the southern region of Bangladesh. To date, more than a hundred national and international standard art exhibitions have been organized at the gallery.
a. Mangal Shobhajatra and Bengali New Year Celebration
Since 1986, Charupith has transformed the Bengali New Year celebration into a vibrant, inclusive art festival. Featuring handcrafted masks, crowns, puppets, music, and dance, the Mangal Shobhajatra has become a nationally and internationally recognized cultural heritage.
b. Festival Art Research and Marketing
Charupith undertakes the research, production, and promotion of folk and festival-based art materials rooted in traditional heritage.
Regular workshops are organized to enhance skills in folk art, design, craftsmanship, and artistic sensibility.
-Establishment of village-based art and festival centers
-Construction of a multi-storied central headquarters
-Applied arts schools for underprivileged children
-Creation of art-based industries and employment opportunities
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