#Title DHAKA MAKERS 2023 A platform for artists to meet and exchange ideas Dhaka has always been the cultural hub of this country. A diverse group of artists calls this metropolis their home, or their artistic work revolves around the city. In order to ensure a space for creative minds to develop and grow their brand, connect, and engage with fellow like-minded individuals and market their creations to interested clients, an event — Dhaka Makers 2023 — is scheduled to be arranged between 24 June and 27 June at Aloki, 211 Gulshan-Tejgaon Link Road. It will ensurean inclusive space, tailor-made for the artists of this city and beyond.

A team of motivated and diligent human beings is bringing about Dhaka Makers 2023. This week, we focus on three who are working diligently to make this event a reality.

Umaila Akhter

Umaila Akhter is the Founder and CEO of Turn Up, a public relations firm specialising in smaller businesses and independent artists. They provide a safe space for upcoming artists to harness their talents and focus on improving themselves. When asked what inspired her to be a part of Dhaka Makers, she said that working together has made them expand their community further and see how each creative person gets to interact with others to learn new things, share their own journeys, and innovate alongside one another.

Her favourite experience during this process was discovering how these talented young artists rose to the occasion and took on challenges and solved them using their creativity and expressiveness. How artists used their own vision and were able to convey their own heartfelt message to the world.

“We found several works of art that can illuminate truth, offer transcendent experience in a far too literal world, challenge us to feel, and connect us to our common humanity. The idea of discovering these creative voices and sharing them with the world is deeply meaningful,” stated the CEO.

Umaila believes it is important for independent artists to have the freedom and support to excel in their path to success that is unique to them. “Turn Up PR will continue to represent artists who deserve to be positioned indelibly at the forefront, and placed within the larger cultural context,” said Umaila.

Fahd Sattar

Fahd Sattar is the founder of Aloki, an event space renovated from an old garments factory! The atmosphere in Aloki is truly breath-taking featuring exposed bricks, a high ceiling, and giant central atrium. The space is mainly for hosting many events from time to time and as a safe space for young independent artists to hone their skills. It has an art gallery within and a cafe as well.

Being an artist and musician himself, Fahd is very familiar with the art scene in Dhaka.