First-Ever AI Art-A-Thon to Reimagine Heritage through Human-AI Synergy

Bangladesh’s First National AI Art-A-Thon Blends Technology and Tradition to Reimagine Cultural Heritage

April 20, 2025

Group photo of participants and organizers at the National Art-a-Thon event on stage. — Winners and participants of Bangladesh’s first National AI Art-A-Thon pose with organizers and partners at the closing ceremony held at the ICT Tower, Dhaka, celebrating a groundbreaking fusion of AI and cultural heritage

©UNDP Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s first national AI-driven design competition, the National AI Art-A-Thon, ended today at the ICT Tower in Agargaon, Dhaka. Organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) under the ICT Division, the event was held as part of the Partnerships for a more Tolerant, Inclusive Bangladesh project, supported by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka.

This two-day event brought together a diverse group of participants—professional and student artists, creators, architects, designers, content makers, and technologists—for a creative challenge that used artificial intelligence to reinterpret and showcase Bangladesh’s rich cultural heritage. Partners included Microsoft, the University of Toronto, the University of Cambridge, BacBon Limited, and Peace Maker Studio.

Man speaking at a podium with a presentation slide behind him. — ©UNDP Bangladesh

Speaking at the event as Chief Guest, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Hon'ble Chief Adviser at the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, emphasized the importance of ethical AI integration. “As we work towards comprehensive AI policy frameworks, it is vital to preserve the voices of our ethnic communities and cultural narratives. The creative community plays a pivotal role in shaping AI’s values and societal impact.”

A man in a suit speaking at an event, with a presentation featuring his name in the background. — ©UNDP Bangladesh

UNDP Bangladesh’s Resident Representative, Stefan Liller, emphasized the importance of responsible innovation. "At UNDP, we see AI not merely as a tool, but as a transformative force that must be shaped responsibly, ethically, & inclusively. Our global vision is to ensure that AI is human-centred, rights-based, and accountable, in support of SDGs"

Shish Haider Chowdhury, ndc, Secretary of the ICT Division, in his remarks said, “It is essential to guide and question AI, not blindly follow it. This competition encourages ethical engagement and critical reflection—particularly relevant for students and creative professionals.”

Marianne Rabe Knævelsrud, Chargé d'affaires at the Royal Norwegian Embassy, praised the initiative for working for better integration of cultural diversity into AI tools. “Bangladesh’s diverse heritage deserves proper representation—not just by people, but by the AI systems we train and use.”