Cosmos Foundation

The philanthropic
arm of the
Cosmos Group

COSMOS FOUNDATION

Cosmos Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Cosmos Group, registered as a trust dedicated to providing strategic insights and policy solutions to help Bangladesh chart its course toward a better future. The Foundation also oversees the group’s abiding commitment to nature and heritage conservation, where its award-winning work has forged working relationships with institutions of world-renown, such as the Smithsonian. In executing the group’s corporate social responsibility, it works through a variety of arrangements, often in partnership with specific individuals and thought-leaders, specialized think tanks, and scholarly institutions. It also leverages the group’s media holdings, facilitating critical engagement on the most important issues of the day.

Gallery Cosmos is a contemporary art space that aims to facilitate creative interventions and collaborations among Bangladesh’s growing band of artists who are pushing the boundaries of our conception of art.

This space is dedicated to artistic activities, such as visual art exhibitions, both traditional and modern, art-talks, workshops, art-camps, exchange programs; as well as interactions, art residencies, sponsoring, publishing, grants, scholarships, fellowships, and awards. Gallery Cosmos has one of the best collections of modern and contemporary art with over 11,000 original paintings, sculptures, prints, and photographs.

Cosmos Atelier 71 is an integral part of the artistic vision Cosmos seeks to serve, in the form of a printmaking studio housing state-of-the-art equipment. It aims to break new grounds by facilitating the emergence of the Arts in Bangladesh.

We also offer a residency program for leading artists from around the world where they can experiment with alternative methods and materials. This combination of a residency program, gallery, and our printmaking facilities make Cosmos Atelier71 one of the most desirable destinations for contemporary arts in South Asia.

WildTeam, formerly known as Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh, started its journey in 2003. It was the initiative of a small group of dedicated conservationists led by Enayetullah Khan. It was designed to improve the conservation status of key species and habitats in Bangladesh and to build the capacity of organizations and individuals to carry out effective conservation.

WildTeam is also the implementer of USAID’s Bagh (Bengal Tiger) Activity, which achieved remarkable feats in its efforts to save tigers and the Sundarbans with technical support from the Smithsonian Institution, USA.

WildTeam is also registered as a charity in England and Wales.

Venice Biennale & Other Art Events

Cosmos Foundation provides its continued support to Bangladesh’s participation at the Venice Biennale.

A group of national and international artists are brought on to enrich the Bangladesh Pavillion through their compelling art works.

Cosmos Foundation is also a frequent participant at major art events such as Art Dubai and Art Basel in its efforts to act as a driving force in connecting artists, collectors, and galleries.

Bangla Mountaineering and Trekking Club (BMTC)

Cosmos Foundation supports the Bangla Mountaineering and Trekking Club (BMTC), instituted in 2003 to create awareness for trekking. BMTC has initiated significant expeditions, including a 60 km urban trek from Manikganj to Dhaka in 2005, an expedition on Chulu West mountain, Nepal (Height: 21,049 ft.) in 2007, an expedition to the Frey and Mera Peaks of the Himalayan range in 2008, and a joint team of Nepali and Bangladeshi mountaineers successfully scaled the previously unclimbed Mt. Chekigo (6257m) on October 18, 2010. The expedition was sponsored by Cosmos Foundation, and the peak located in eastern Nepal has officially been named the Nepal-Bangladesh Friendship Peak.

Bangladesh Discovery Ride – Explore the Diversity

In an effort to seek an exchange of knowledge and culture, and to promote tourism within the Chittagong region, Cosmos Foundation sponsored the Cog-way Japan Cycling and Cultural Exchange Association for a three-day event titled “Bangladesh Discovery Ride – Explore the Diversity”. Over 100 local and foreign cyclists took part to ride in areas around Chittagong. This supports the local tourism industry and showcases the indigenous uniqueness and natural beauty of Bangladesh on a yearly basis.

Promoting Culture

Cosmos Brings Baul to Broadway

Cosmos Foundation co-sponsored along with World Music Institute (WMI) the participation of the renowned Baul singer Shafi Mondol for a solo concert at Symphony Space, New York’s premier performing arts center on November 2013. This was the first-ever event when a Bangladeshi artist performed at WMI’s invitation.

Cosmos Brings Band Lokkhi Terra to Bangladesh

Cosmos Foundation brought the internationally renowned band Lokkhi Terra to Bangladesh to play a series of shows that showcased their genre to the Bangladeshi audience – the eclectic blend of Latin and Afro-Caribbean beats fused with a distinct Bengali flavor.

Cosmos Brings A Display of Classical Dance

Cosmos Foundation organized a display of Classical dance by Sharmila Banerjee and her crew. Banerjee is a famous dance artist of Bangladesh who’s also the head of the dance department at Chhayanaut, a most renowned school of Performing Arts.