Rajeeb and Nadia Samdani, co-founders of Dhaka-based Samdani Art Foundation, have been honoured with ‘The Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award’ at a ceremony in Dubai in recognition of their work with Dhaka Art Summit and contribution to the arts through the Samdani Art Foundation. The ceremony took place at Concrete and located in Alserkal Avenue on September 13. The evening was hosted by Montblanc Cultural Foundation chairmen Sam Bardaouil and Till Fellrath, where the Samdanis received the award.  This prestigious award also includes cash money of Euro 15000 for the benefit of the art sector and the Samdanis are donating the prize money to the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy towards the development of Bangladeshi local art scene.

The Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award, a visionary annual award, established in 1992 to recognise the work and contributions of modern day art patrons, has taken place in the South and West Asia region for the first time.

Commenting on the event, Montblanc Cultural Foundation co-chairmen Sam Bardaouil and Till Fellrath said, “We are delighted to honour Nadia and Rajeeb Samdani for their invaluable contribution to the arts, and to celebrate the newly established Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award for the region.”

The Samdani’s are among 17 winners around the world selected by an international jury of art experts and practitioners brought together by the Montblanc Cultural Foundation.  Candidates are evaluated on their history of personal commitment to the arts, and enabling wider access to cultural projects.

“It is an honour for us to receive this prestigious award for something that Rajeeb and I hold close to our hearts.  The Samdani Foundation has helped many emerging artists and we are grateful to the Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award for acknowledging the efforts and commitment of everyone involved,” said Nadia Samdani.