An exhibition combining visual art, film and literature titled "Matarbari Tales – Home Is Where The Heart Is" is set to be held in Cox's Bazar and Dhaka this month, highlighting the lived experiences of coastal communities affected by rapid industrialisation.

Curated by Mahenaz Chowdhury, a Bangladeshi recipient of the British Council Climate Futures: South Asia grant, the exhibition was held at Matarbari High School on December 11, followed by a Dhaka showing at Dwip Gallery on December 13.

The project marked the official launch of the short story book "Matarbari Tales" and featured the first screenings of two youth-led short films, "The Banyan Tree" and "Mystery Box". Central to the exhibition was a large-scale textile art map of Matarbari, alongside films created by students of Matarbari High School and the release of a research review titled "Stitching Memories of Matarbari: A Participatory Approach to Rewriting Development Imaginaries".

The Cox's Bazar programme took place at Matarbari High School from 1pm to 3pm. The Dhaka event was held at Dwip Gallery from 5pm onwards, featuring a book launch, student readings and a discussion with author and editor Mahenaz Chowdhury, book designer Navid Hasnain and student writers from Matarbari High School.

The project was developed collaboratively with the local community. Students of Matarbari High School created the films and the short story book following workshops conducted in collaboration with Applebox Films.

The exhibition is supported by the British Council's Climate Futures: South Asia programme.