By: SHOHAG MOSTAFIJ
Bangladesh boasts a rich cultural diversity, with lively expressions of music, dance, literature, films, and other creative functions. Nonetheless, cultivating a distinctive artistic style strains significant time, effort, and energy. Many artists face numerous challenges, failures, and setbacks on their journey to unleashing their creative potential. Sadly, in Bangladesh, artists often struggle financially, with many from the electronic and print media sectors leading precarious lives in their later years. When illness strikes, they may rely on government or private donations, a situation that lacks dignity.
Yet, not all artists enjoy lucrative pay or commercial success to sustain themselves. Therefore, fostering an inclusive and tolerant society, coupled with smart systems to support art and culture, is imperative. Private companies and philanthropic initiatives can play a crucial role in promoting artists from various fields, including film, drama, dance, and music. Rather than only appointing renowned celebrities as brand ambassadors, all artists should be considered, either as company representatives or in other capacities. This approach ensures livelihood opportunities for all artists.
Consider this: Bangladesh hosts thousands of companies engaged in meaningful social work or charity through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Leveraging these initiatives to engage with artists in meaningful ways can unlock their ingenuity, insights, and business acumen. Such integration benefits organizations by tapping into artists’ unique perspectives and skills.
By integrating artists into private sector initiatives, alongside government and individual efforts, Bangladesh can foster long-term partnerships. Artists, known for their creativity and determination, possess the potential to make significant contributions to businesses and society alike. Embracing this collaboration elevates the concept of CSR to a new level, emphasizing moral and social responsibility in maximizing artists’ potential and honoring their sacrifices.
In summary, integrating artists into business, commerce, and trade initiatives not only benefits organizations but also respects and celebrates artists’ contributions, paving the way for mutually beneficial partnerships and a thriving cultural landscape.