Co-operation among art museums

FE Team | Published: January 07, 2012 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00

Samar Paul
In the new millennium, museum is no more mere a depository of collections, nor even only a store-house of curiosities and artifacts. Traditionally, a museum needs to have collection, conservation, exhibition, research and publication, mass communication and education processes through systematic and planned methods. Now-a-days much more emphasis is being given on museum activities to achieve maximum benefit for the whole mankind. And as such no single country or society however rich or developed is able to run the holistic objective alone without the help or co-operation of others.
Since the heritage of one is now regarded as the pride and glory of the whole world, the issues of protection, preservation, study, exchange of know-how etc., to enrich the human-society collectively is the demand of the day. In this regard our Asian countries in particular, may co-operate with one other to promote, explore and strengthen their socio-cultural arena. Bangladesh National Museum sincerely hopes that our generations to come would reap the ample healthy harvest of our present positive activities.
Unity is diversity: Apparently the people living in Asian region do possess their own idiosyncrasy. But in every sphere we see a great deal of uniqueness in culture and tradition within. We have in many cases common cultural background. Though from time immemorial most of the peoples are poverty-striken but still they are with their utmost efforts protecting, preserving, nourishing their tangible and intangible artistic and cultural heritage from evil depredation and painful extinction. We are in many events hopeful that today the governments of the region are actively involved in patronizing the subject and co-operating with one another more than ever before.
But still we have much more to do. To enhance and strengthen the capability of one the other should come forward because of the fact that the loss of one's glory affects others; so to maintain the unity in diversity strong and meaningful co-operation is a real cry of our age.
Existing co-operation: As for Bangladesh we are continuously receiving help and co-operation from the UNESCO and other international agencies. In Dhaka we have concluded the 13th Asian Art Biennale. Recently the Islamic Republic of Iran organised an Exhibition on Quranic Calligraphy and Quds photos in Bangladesh National Museum. We witnessed also the exhibitions of China, Asia-Pacific Photo Exhibition on Education for Sustainable Development and so on. Private sector and non-government organisations (NGOs) are also arranging many exhibitions, discussions, seminars, workshops etc., in our country to make art and culture a real glory.
With all other friendly countries too we are continually maintaining this sort of co-operation to enhance ties of nearness and acquaintance amongst ourselves. In this perspective, the government is positively promoting art and cultural activities for peace, harmony, development and friendship. Our friends from all corners of the world are also doing their best to gather together for a better future keeping eyes on our glorious past and contemporary upcoming.
More co-operation needed: The present-day world is the world of collective efforts. So there is no way out to stand idle at the moment. The minimum co-operation issues may be judged as that follow-
1. The governments of our region should always as before be committed to promote art and culture in their respective countries.
2. The efforts by government organisations (GOs)/NGOs/Private sector should be well co-ordinated.
3. There should be arrangements for training/workshop/seminars and discussions/critical appreciation.
4. Campaign can be made through films, CD, DVD, publications.
5. Publications, views and information need to be exchanged.
6. There should be co-operation in conservation technique and know-how.
7. Facilities for children and autistic artists/handicapped artisans need to be developed and expanded.
8. Arrangements should be there for visit to/ acquaintance with, one another's museum.
9. Cross border gallery entry for museum people and art workers in museums and art centres should be made free.
10. Mutual understanding through curriculum development has to be enhanced.
11. Well-to-do entrepreneurs should come forward with special interest.
12. The talent should be rewarded and honoured.
Since art in general is an expression and every work of art is a symbol, we do firmly hope that the victory of art would always be crowned with joy and pleasure by our collective efforts for all mankind, irrespective of caste, creed, religion, faith, region and colour.
(The writer is a retired Secretary. He can be reached at e-mail:samarpaul_52@yahoo.com)