Dhaka: The third Dhaka Art Summit, the largest art festival in Asia, began at the Shilpakala Academy in the city on Friday.

Finance Minister AMA Muhith inaugurated the four-day summit, being participated by around 300 artists from home and abroad, at a ceremony on the Shilpakala Academy premises.

In his speech, Muhith stressed the need for cultural development alongside economic development. ‘We’re proud to announce this is the largest art summit in Asia.’

The Finance Minister also noted that the new generation has developed a new type of art and the summit has proudly introduced this form.  

Cultural Affairs minister Asaduzzaman Noor said veteran as well as amateur artists from home and abroad are working together in the summit that will be helpful for all the artists.  

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon, President and co-founder of Samdani Art Foundation Nadia Samdani also spoke on the occasion.

Director General of Shilpakala Academy Liakat Ali Lucky, chairman of the summit organising committee Farooq Sobhan, co-founder of Samdani Art Foundation Rajib Samdani and chief operating officer of Golden Harvest Zakir Ibne Hai were also present in the inaugural ceremony.  

The Dhaka Art Summit includes artist-curated exhibitions, architectural exhibitions, folk performances, book launching and a historical exhibition.  

The event will remain open from 10:00am to 9:00pm every day till 8 February.