Art in Action: Painting a Brighter Future for Bangladesh

Bangladeshi youth created vibrant murals to paint their vision for the future, transforming city walls into powerful canvases of hope and change. Imagine walking through the streets of Dhaka or any other city in Bangladesh and being captivated by stunning murals with striking messages. These aren't just pretty pictures; they're the voices of the nation's youth, created by the students in July and August of 2024.

In Bangladesh, in a unique way, the students, used their creativity to paint their vision of a new Bangladesh—a nation where justice prevails, where dreams are nurtured, and where the sky is the limit.

Recognizing the pivotal role young people play in shaping the nation and how important it is important to listen to youth voices, The World Bank undertook a photography assignment to document the wall arts created by the youth. The World Bank organized an exhibition and published a photo book, showcasing an inspiring collection of wall arts. The title of the exhibition and the photo book, ‘Paint the sky, make it yours’, taken from a wall art, reminding of the unlimited potential of the youth young to become change-makers

These arts capture the dreams and aspirations of a generation and provides a roadmap for the future. The artworks come from 12 districts, including Dhaka, Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet, Chattogram, Barishal, Cumilla, Rangpur, Rangamati, Khagrachari, and Bandarban.

These young change-makers used their creativity to paint their vision of a new Bangladesh: a nation built on justice, where dreams are nurtured, and where the sky is the limit. In all districts, the recurrent themes emerged, such as unity, inclusion, women’s right, religious harmony, free speech, education, environment protection and others as key development priorities for the country.

The capture and amplify these youth voices and powerful arts, the Word Bank documented these murals across Dhaka and 11 other districts, including Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet, Chattogram, Barishal, Cumilla, Rangpur, Rangamati, Khagrachari, and Bandarban. This initiative culminated in an inspiring exhibition at Dhaka's Drik Gallery, regularly frequented by the youth, and a captivating photobook, both titled "Paint the Sky, Make it Yours."

An Exhibition for Everyone

The title of the exhibition and the photo book, ‘Paint the sky, make it yours’, taken from a wall art, reminding of the unlimited potential of the youth young to become change-makers.

Many visitors were deeply moved, with some becoming emotional as the artwork resonated with their own dreams for the nation. This unique initiative captured the  dreams of the youth for a better Bangladesh through art, creating a platform for dialogue, reflection, and inspiration. Even 9-year-old Raiysa, visited the exhibition with her parents, exclaimed, “I want to paint my dreams for Bangladesh like these amazing artists!”

A Legacy in Art and Action

From vibrant depictions of women’s empowerment to reflections on Gen Z’s aspirations, reimagining Dhaka city, and calls for environmental sustainability, each wall art told a poignant story. These creative expressions not only reflected the concerns of the youth but also mirrored the hopes and dreams of people from all walks of life.

One artwork portrayed a bustling yet greener and cleaner Dhaka, reflecting a collective desire for a sustainable future. Another celebrated the strength and resilience of Bangladeshi women, symbolizing their crucial role in shaping the country’s destiny. A young artist, whose work highlighted unity and diversity, shared, “For our better future, we took the pen and brush as our weapon to portray the Bangladesh we want to see.”

Inaugurated by Honorable Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed and World Bank Country Director Abdoulaye Seck, the event celebrated the power of youth to inspire change. The initiative served as a powerful testament to the transformative power of art. It sparked dialogue, fostered collaboration, and inspired action.

This exhibition renews the World Bank’s focus on empowering young people and creating opportunities for them. The World Bank’s ongoing strategy for Bangladesh focuses on creating quality jobs for the millions of youths entering the job market every year.

"Paint the Sky, Make it Yours" is more than just an exhibition; it's a testament to the courage, resilience, and vision of Bangladesh’s youth. It’s a call to action, reminding us all of the unlimited potential that lies within the next generation.