Arts Council Karachi Launches Grand “Arts Alumni Festival 2026” with Convocation, Exhibitions and Star-Studded Cultural Celebrations

The Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi has inaugurated its three-day “Arts Alumni Festival 2026” alongside the second grand convocation of its School of Visual and Performing Arts, marking a vibrant celebration of creativity, culture, and emerging artistic talent in the city.

The opening ceremony was formally inaugurated by renowned humorist and intellectual Anwar Maqsood, together with Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmed Shah, through a ribbon-cutting ceremony held at the Alumni Art Exhibition at the Ahmed Pervez Art Gallery.

The event was attended by Vice President Munawar Saeed, Secretary Ejaz Farooqi, Karachi Press Club President Fazil Jamili, Norwegian artist and filmmaker Karen Houge, celebrated painter Shahid Rassam, Chairman Fine Arts Committee Farrukh Shahab, as well as members of the artistic community, alumni, and a large number of students.

The Alumni Art Exhibition featured 31 artworks by 19 emerging artists, including Jawad Ahmed Jan, Ramsha Khan, Rida Ali Shah, Muhammad Jawad Hassan, Habiba Mujeeb ur Rehman, Kiran Aslam, Kabeer Ata Muhammad, Yasir Noor, Shahzad Baloch, Akash Jivraj, Stephen Yaqoob, Zehra Ali, Taha Abbas, Sani e Zahra, Faha Shabi, Behzad Ahmed Warsi, Asim Naqvi, Zeenat Khan, and Zarnab Baloch. The exhibition received strong appreciation from art lovers and visitors.

As part of the festival, the second convocation ceremony honored 55 graduates from the School of Visual and Performing Arts across multiple disciplines. These included 28 students from Theatre, 17 from Music, 5 from Fine Arts, 3 from Communication Design, and 2 from Textile Design.

Gold and silver medals were awarded across departments for outstanding academic and creative performance, with top honors going to students in Theatre, Music, and Fine Arts categories.

During the ceremony, academic head Ahsan Bari presented a detailed overview of the school’s departments and artistic development programs.

Chief guest Anwar Maqsood, while addressing the convocation, described the occasion as a moment of happiness and reflection, recalling his early artistic journey and highlighting the evolving value of art in Pakistan. He praised the students’ work and appreciated the Arts Council’s continuous contribution to cultural development.

He also remarked humorously on the competitive artistic landscape while emphasizing the importance of creative institutions in nurturing talent.

Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmed Shah, addressing the audience, expressed pride in the institution’s faculty and students, calling them the true strength of the organization. He highlighted the growth of music and fine arts programs and reiterated the Council’s commitment to providing platforms for young artists.

He assured graduates that the institution would continue to support them by creating opportunities for exposure, recognition, and professional growth in the creative industry.

The festival also featured live performances, including classical music, violin renditions, Sufi kalam, Balochi songs, and storytelling presentations, which captivated the audience. A special theatrical performance titled “Dream Girl” by Norwegian filmmaker and comedian Karen Houge received significant appreciation for its innovative storytelling and interactive format.

The “Arts Alumni Festival 2026” will continue until May 10, featuring theatre performances, music concerts, classical and folk dance, art exhibitions, and dialogue sessions aimed at connecting alumni with emerging artists and strengthening Pakistan’s cultural ecosystem.