Latest news with #PakistanNationalCounciloftheArts
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
PNCA launches first-ever opera singing course
The Pakistan National Council of the Arts, in collaboration with the Embassy of Romania, launched its first-ever Opera Singing Courses at the PNCA Islamabad, marking a significant step in Pakistan's performing arts education and international cultural exchange. Parliamentary Secretary for National Heritage and Culture, Farah Naz Akbar, Ambassador of Romania to Pakistan, Dan Stoenescu attended the event. In her remarks, Akbar emphasised the importance of such collaborations in nurturing new talent and strengthening cultural diplomacy. Ambassador Dan Stoenescu delivered an inspiring speech highlighting the universal power of music and announced a generous initiative by offering scholarships for music students in Romania. This scholarship programme is a major opportunity for emerging Pakistani musicians to receive world-class training abroad. An engaging overview of the course, its vision, and methodology was presented by Georgiana Costea-Glug?, who will be closely involved in the training process. PNCA director general highlighted the role of PNCA for the promotion of music and arts in Pakistan. Many international cultural exchange initiatives were taken under the leadership of Muhammad Ayoub Jamali, who was the director general of PNCA. The event featured captivating live performances by PNCA students, including opera singing, violin, guitar, keyboard, and a cultural, folk fusion, showcasing the diversity and depth of local talent. This milestone initiative would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of Ghulam Muhammad, incharge of music classes at PNCA.
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Exhibit showcases German artist's mesmerising art
Visitors admire German artist Dagmar Rauwald's vision expressed through bold strokes and skillful mastery in her paintings displayed at the 'Intention vs Convention: Fluid Presence' exhibition at the PNCA in the federal capital. PHOTO: EXPRESS Pakistan National Council of the Arts, National Art Gallery, Islamabad hosted the highly anticipated solo exhibition titled: "Intention vs Convention: Fluid Presence" by renowned German artist Dagmar Rauwald which will go on till June 3. The event included an immersive workshop and presented a vibrant celebration of shared cultural heritage and creative exchange between Pakistan and Germany. The event was graced by Pakistan's Ambassador to Germany, Ambassador Shahid Kamal. During the event, Dagmar Rauwald, a dynamic artist based in Hamburg, presented a captivating body of work that thrives on emotional expressiveness and conceptual depth. Her paintings, applied to transparent film with bold, sweeping gestures, evoke a tension between fluidity and solidity, lightness and opacity. By embracing transparent foils — either layered or singular — Rauwald immerses viewers in the immediacy of the present, abstracting real-world events influenced by media imagery and socio-political narratives. Her exploration of hybridity and evolving visual codes invites a profound dialogue that bridges Western and Eastern traditions, drawing inspiration from the fluid rhythm of Urdu calligraphy. Through her concept of "fluid presence," Rauwald's art created a multilayered hermeneutic experience, resonating with contemporary discourses on gender, identity and the autonomy of artistic expression. Her mastery of technique and her commitment to fostering transcultural exchange have earned her national and international recognition. Central to the event's success was the visionary curatorship of Farrah Mehmood, an esteemed Pakistani visual artist and educator. Farrah's dedication to nurturing cultural dialogue and artistic excellence elevated the exhibition, illuminating a path for future collaborations between Pakistan and Germany. The event was further supported by Dr Carsten Brosda, Senator for Culture and Media, Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, whose message of congratulations reflected his vision for sustained artistic exchanges between Hamburg and Islamabad. His emphasis on the importance of intercultural dialogue — particularly during these complex global times — resonated deeply with the event's purpose. In its entirety, this landmark event demonstrated that art is not merely an aesthetic pursuit but a bridge that connects cultures, fosters mutual understanding, and builds a more harmonious world. The collective efforts of Shahid Kamal's inspiring leadership, Farrah Mehmood's curatorial brilliance, Mariam Ahmed's direction and Dagmar Rauwald's bold artistic expression stand as a testament to the transformative power of creativity, diplomacy and vision. As this exhibition concludes, it leaves behind not just beautiful works and inspired minds but also a blueprint for future collaborations that will continue to strengthen the cultural, artistic, and educational ties between Pakistan and Germany. The opening drew a diverse audience from the arts, media, diplomatic community, and development sectors. It was well-attended and warmly received, with visitors appreciating the variety of perspectives and the shared message that photography speaks across languages and backgrounds. The exhibition will remain open to the public until June 3, 2025, and can be visited during official PNCA gallery hours. PNCA has also announced a painting workshop by Dagmar.
Express Tribune
25-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Pottery session offers art therapy
Adults and children alike enjoy making different types of pottery out of clay, which allows them to flex their creative muscle and relax their minds through a communal activity at a session organised by the PNCA in the federal capital. PHOTO: EXPRESS The Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) hosted a deeply engaging and therapeutic pottery workshop titled "The Art of Pottery", led by renowned artist and educator Noor Fatima. The hands-on session focused on calming hand-building techniques such as coiling and pinching, offering participants an opportunity to slow down, reconnect with their senses, and embrace creative expression. Held under PNCA's ongoing Art for Therapy initiative, the workshop welcomed over 25 participants ranging in age from young children to elderly community members. The inclusive environment fostered intergenerational learning, personal growth and artistic exploration, highlighting the universal and healing nature of working with clay. The artist Noor Fatima, whose practice is deeply rooted in themes of emotion, fragility and strength, guided attendees through the meditative process of shaping clay by hand. Participants were encouraged to explore the tactile, grounding qualities of the material as a means of self-expression and emotional release. The workshop was a creative outlet and a space for mindfulness and reflection. "The Art of Pottery" is part of PNCA's broader commitment to mental health advocacy through the arts. The Art for Therapy series aims to spotlight the importance of integrating creative practices into daily life as a tool for emotional resilience, mental wellbeing and social connection. PNCA organises such workshops monthly, ensuring continuous access to arts-based therapeutic experiences for the wider community. These initiatives reaffirm PNCA's role as a cultural institution that nurtures not only artistic excellence but also holistic wellness.
Express Tribune
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Photography workshop highlights Pakistan's beauty
As part of the ongoing photography exhibition, 'Perspectives on Pakistan', a well-attended photography workshop, was held at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) the other day. The workshop served as a meaningful extension of the exhibition's themehighlighting Pakistan's beauty, diversity, and cultural richness through photography. Acclaimed photojournalist Amir Khan and visual storyteller Shahzad Ahmad graced the occasion. The workshop brought together students and photography enthusiasts for an engaging and informative session. Amir Khan shared insights from his experiences documenting life in Pakistan's remote regions, emphasising the power of visual storytelling and the ethical responsibilities of photojournalism. Shahzad Ahmad offered practical tips on capturing everyday life through the lens, focusing on light, composition, and narrative depth. The session provided a unique opportunity for participants to interact directly with the photographers whose works are currently featured in the exhibition. Attendees praised the workshop for its informative content, approachable teaching style, and inspirational atmosphere.
Express Tribune
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
'Perspectives on Pakistan' opens
Visitors engage with powerful visual narratives by Amir Khan, Luke Myers, Anita Schneider, and Shahzad Ahmad at the 'Perspectives on Pakistan' photography exhibition, held at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), Islamabad. PHOTO: EXPRESS The photography exhibition 'Perspectives on Pakistan', showcasing the work of Amir Khan, Luke Myers, Anita Schneider, and Shahzad Ahmad, opened on Thursday at Gallery 2 of the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA). The featured artists present a unique visual narrative capturing diverse perspectives of the country. Federal Minister for the National Heritage and Culture Division, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, inaugurated the exhibition. Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, Managing Director, Aftab Rana, was the guest of honour and PNCA Director General Ayoub Jamali also attended the event. Luke and Shahzad, passionate hobbyists, displayed vivid images of landscapes, portraits, and scenes of everyday life, highlighting the colour and detail that reflects the diversity across the country. Amir Khan, a committed photojournalist, presented compelling visuals from remote regions, offering a glimpse into communities and stories often overlooked. Anita Schneider's portraits and art photography introduced a personal journey through Pakistan, reflecting themes of identity and human connection. In his opening remarks, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, praised the initiative for its thoughtful curation and creative approach in portraying Pakistan's beauty, diversity, and cultural richness. He acknowledged the efforts of the photographers in capturing powerful visual stories that reflect both the familiar and lesser-seen aspects of the country. Mohammad Ayoub Jamali, along with curator Mariam Ahmed, extended their support and played a key role in bringing together the exhibition, ensuring it reflected both artistic merit and cultural relevance. The opening drew a diverse audience from the arts, media, diplomatic community, and development sectors. It was well-attended and warmly received, with visitors appreciating the variety of perspectives and the shared message that photography speaks across languages and backgrounds. The exhibition will remain open to the public until 25 May and can be visited during official PNCA gallery hours. PNCA has also announced a photography workshop to complement this exhibition on Friday (today) at 10 am. The photographers Amir Khan and Anita Schneider will be conducting this workshop.
