Arts Council Karachi Hosts Thesis Display 2024, Showcasing Young Talent

The event featured the exceptional work of third

and fourth-year students from the Fine Arts, Textile

Design, and Communication Design programs

Culture Reporter

Karachi: The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi School of Visual and Performing Arts proudly hosted the Thesis Display 2024, a celebration of creativity and talent, at the Ahmed Pervez Art Gallery. The event featured the exceptional work of third- and fourth-year students from the Fine Arts, Textile Design, and Communication Design programs.

The display was inaugurated by Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, Provincial Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Archives, and graced by prominent figures such as President of the Arts Council Muhammad Ahmed Shah, Shahid Rassam, Farrukh Shahab, Nazar-ul-Islam, Muhammad Zeeshan, and Jawad Jan Baloch. The faculty, who played a pivotal role in nurturing these young talents, also attended the event.

Culture as a Bridge

In his inaugural speech, Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah emphasized the power of culture in uniting people and showcasing Pakistan’s positive image internationally. “Culture is a universal language that transcends borders,” he stated. He praised the Arts Council’s efforts in promoting art and culture, crediting Muhammad Ahmed Shah for elevating Pakistan’s artistic landscape. Shah shared that during a visit to Turkey, Indian actor Anil Kapoor expressed his admiration for the Arts Council and a desire to meet its president.

The minister also hinted at ongoing efforts to reintroduce Indian films to Pakistani cinemas and revealed that preparations for the next World Culture Festival are underway, aiming to gather global artists under one roof.

A New Era for Arts Education

Muhammad Ahmed Shah announced plans to establish the Arts Council’s Fine Art University, which will begin awarding official degrees next year. “If any art university’s degree will hold value in this country, it will be from the Arts Council’s university,” he remarked. Shah highlighted the Arts Council’s investment in students from diverse backgrounds, noting that over one lakh rupees are spent on each child to ensure their success.

Transformative Impact on Students

Shahid Rassam, principal of the Art School, reflected on the decade-long journey of nurturing talent. “This is the thesis work of our Art School students. Many of these children couldn’t afford paper or pencils when they began, but their passion and dedication have brought them here,” he said.

Showcasing Creativity and Innovation

The Thesis Display 2024 featured remarkable projects across disciplines:

• Fine Arts (Third Year): Asim Naqvi, Taha Abbas, Ramsha Khasheer, Zahra Ali, and Faha Shabi.
• Communication Design (Fourth Year): Huzaifa Khan, Abdullah Ali Khan, and Akram Ullah Khan.
• Textile Design: Sani e Zehra (Third Year) and Huzaifa Khan and Aliza Abdul Wahab (Fourth Year).

Each piece highlighted the students’ creativity, skill, and innovative approach, reflecting the Arts Council’s commitment to excellence in the arts.

Event Details

The three-day exhibition, which began on January 15, 2025, concluded on January 17, 2025, at the Ahmed Pervez Art Gallery, Ahmed Shah Building.