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Ripples in a western pond

Ambassador Stefan Frowein speaks on the upcoming Bangladeshi exhibition in Brussels

Nivedita Raitz von Frentz
Come April, over sixty paintings by thirty-one renowned Bangladeshi artists will go on show in Brussels, in the heart of Europe. Credit goes to the efforts of the EC Delegation to Bangladesh, in conjunction with the
Bengal Gallery.
In Stefan Frowein's (EC Ambassador to Bangladesh) view, “Cultural cooperation between partners is crucial in creating confidence and trust. Opening oneself to the mutual exchange of cultural wealth leads to building common interests”.
Within the framework of the EC/ Bangladesh Cooperation Agreement, (guidelines fixing the way in which partners work), is the Joint Commission held every second year, alternating between Dhaka and Brussels. In the alternate years, there are discussions on trade, governance and health, but “not enough is being done in the cultural arena. Bangladesh is not just about cyclones and floods," according to the Ambassador.
Ambassador Frowein admires Bangladeshi art and believes that there is much to offer in this field. He welcomes ideas promoting the symbiotic flow of views on cultural capacities, particularly those with an artistic angle. This very special art exhibition of a representative selection of contemporary artists is being held under the auspices of the Joint Commission. Stefan Frowein was impressed with “the great variety of styles and competences. Such an exchange is at eye level, both parties having something to offer; there are no false distinctions.”
Lengthy and complicated EC procedures
meant that the event could not be financed by the Delegation itself. Instead the Indian airline, Jet Airways agreed to transport the paintings to Brussels, which coincidentally, is their hub. Courier company, Homebound is attending to the complex paperwork and ensuring safe transit of the pictures to Zia Airport.
"We were extremely relieved to have obtained the certificate of no-objection from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs,” admits Ambassador Frowein. He personally strongly supports the presence of Director General, Luva Nahid Chowdhury, who will represent the Bengal Gallery in Brussels.
Matters at the European end, including substantial press coverage, are in the hands of the EC and the Bangladeshi Embassy in Brussels. Ambassador Frowein is pleased that the venue is the Berlaymont, the Commission's flagship building. “The location is a prominent space within the Berlaymont, which hosts regular exhibitions, but this is the first time the Joint Commission undertakes such a unique cultural event. Approximately one thousand people pass through the Berlaymont foyer daily, so there is a chance for many to see the paintings.”
Posters providing general information on Bangladesh will also be displayed, providing patrons some background knowledge.
Commissioner for External Relations, Dr Benita Ferrero-Waldner will inaugurate the
week-long exhibition on April 3. Bangladeshi Foreign Adviser, Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury and Ambassador Frowein will be among the special guests. The Bangladesh Embassy has organised a cultural programme on the occasion, confirmed the EC Delegation's Cultural Officer, Jonatan Henriksson. For legal reasons, the EC may not sell the paintings, but this will not detract from this onetime opportunity to display Bangladesh's cultural prowess.
Post-exhibition, Ambassador Frowein has plans to display the paintings at the EC's Europe Day celebrations in Dhaka in May.
“This was the missing link, and given the vibrant cultural scene, a small step taken to boost art. It was such a natural thing to do, that all parties concerned are very pleased. One becomes an ambassador for Bangladesh in Brussels, providing HQ with news. I am more than happy to be biased on the cultural side," says Ambassador Frowein. He believes that artists are much respected in Bangladeshi society and part of his role is to help enhance their reputation in Europe, for them to have access to the international exposure they deserve. It seems that fruitful ideas catch on fast; it is heartening to learn that the Brussels venture spurred the ongoing joint Bangladeshi exhibition in New York.
The writer is a freelance contnbutor