Emerging as a unique platform for over 100 local and contemporary artists and artisans, Dhaka Makers, an independent arts and crafts festival opened its second season on Thursday at the Aloki Convention Center in the capital.

After its highly acclaimed inaugural season back in June last year, the platform which has already established itself as an urban rendezvous for creative, contemporary local artists and artisans, the second edition of Dhaka Makers aims to continue showcasing their work and foster connections within the creative community on an even greater scale.

A wide variety of events are available throughout the four-day festival, such as arts and crafts classes, a Makers' Market with over 100 entrepreneurs, an art gallery called Jadughar that showcases the works of 85 artists, and a scrumptious food pavilion curated by Sameera Wadood.

The festival celebrates Dhaka's cultural wealth with nightly performances by performers from different musical styles, including Tashfee, Labik Kamal Gourob, Imran Ahmed Trio, Joler Gaan, and others.

City Bank takes centre stage as the Title Partner for the event, with support from other partners such as EMK Center and Goethe Institute. Strategic Partners include Aloki Convention Center, Emerald Events, ICE Today, Deshar Works, and Bhai Bhai Productions. Media Partners contributing to the festival's outreach are Haal Fashion and Somoy TV.

At the rain-drenched opening ceremony on Thursday, the welcome note was delivered by Team Dhaka Makers. After that, a preview of weaving continuity was showcased in partnership with EMK Center.

Keynote Speech was delivered by Mashrur Arefin, CEO & Managing Director of City Bank, which was followed by performances by Bengal Parampara Sangeetalay, and Tashfee & friends.

On the opening day, hundreds of people joined the festivities, ranging in age from young adults to senior citizens, to catch a peek at Dhaka's art scene. The artist-turned-entrepreneurs filled the space with their artistic ventures, as the event offered them the chance to display and market their artworks and crafts.

A total of 31 workshops, including the art of clay doll making, bamboo weaving, Nakshi Kantha embroidery, eco-friendly leather accessories crafting, mesmerising terrariums designing, acrylic painting and beadwork crafting and much more are being offered to the eventgoers. The opening day was celebrated with seven workshops: Masu Ake's Mixed Media Workshop, ABCs of Improv Acting by Bottala, Calligraphy with Nazm Anwr, Masterclass: Weaving with Bamboo, Weld Craft: Metal Workshop by Hiba, Guerrilla Filmmaking 101 by Monzur Anik, and Stop-motion Animation with Ogopogo.

The Dhaka Makers food stalls offer a fusion of flavours crafted with the same creative spirit that defines the festival. Attendees can savour new taste sensations and enhance their experience with each delicious bite.

A curated exhibition, Jadughar, showcases the state of the arts in Dhaka, providing a platform for diverse artistic expressions and fresh perspectives that promise to leave attendees inspired.

The festival's soundscape will resonate with live performances throughout the event, ranging from classical dance to mesmerising beats, ensuring attendees are tapping their feet and humming along.

The festive offering of Dhaka Makers 2 will continue welcoming the visitors till February 4, Sunday.