Students of the Mostafiz Academy of Fine Arts (MAFA) won eight awards at the 32nd World Children’s Picture Contest. This internationally acclaimed competition, organised by the renowned IE-NO-HIKARI Association of Japan, received a total of 11,479 artworks from 68 countries and regions this year. Out of these, only 200 entries were selected for awards. Eight students from MAFA were among the winners, earning two gold, four silver, and two bronze medals.
To celebrate this success, a grand award ceremony was held on May 2, 2025, at MAFA’s Lalmatia branch. At the event, Professor Mostafizul Haque, the founder of MAFA and a distinguished artist, personally handed over congratulatory gifts to the award-winning students. The event was attended by all MAFA teachers, guardians, and well-wishers.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star’s Google News channel. While presenting the gifts, Professor Haque remarked, “This victory belongs not only to our students but to the entire nation. It is truly rewarding to see our children compete and excel at an international level.”
The World Children’s Picture Contest, open to children aged 6 to 15, has been held annually since 1993, with the aim of fostering intercultural understanding, friendship, and empathy through art.
The jury for this year’s competition included distinguished figures from the global art community, such as the Director-General of the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, and professors from Tokyo University of the Arts and the University of the Sacred Heart, among other renowned art educators and experts.
MAFA has consistently represented Bangladesh in this prestigious competition for many years, earning international recognition year after year. This sustained success is largely attributed to the visionary leadership of Professor Mostafizul Haque, a pioneer of children’s art education in Bangladesh. As a recognition of his invaluable contribution to fostering creativity and nurturing artistic talent in children, he was awarded the Mahatma Gandhi International Peace Award in 2023.
Since 1975, Professor Haque has tirelessly worked to develop young minds into creative and compassionate individuals. He is the founder of several key institutions dedicated to children’s artistic and psychological development, including the Center for Child Creativity, the Azimpur Ladies’ Club Art Section, the Art Department of Bangladesh Shishu Academy, Probhaty Art School, Shanto-Mariam Academy of Creative Technology, and the Mostafiz Academy of Fine Arts (MAFA).
He is also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology, Bangladesh’s first university dedicated to design, art, and cultural studies.
The MAFA authority extends its heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to all the participating students, parents, teachers, and supporters who contributed to this extraordinary accomplishment. The institution remains committed to nurturing creativity and artistic excellence in children for years to come.