KARACHI: More than 150 artists representing 34 countries, including India and Palestine, will take part in the Arts Council’s first edition of World Culture Festival Karachi, which will take place from Sept 26 to Oct 30.

Speaking at a press conference here on Saturday, Arts Council President Ahmed Shah said it is an ambitious project on which work began some six months back. Last year, the council arranged an international theatre festival participated by seven countries.

“I have been to World Culture Summit in the UAE three times and I used to think of doing something like that in my country. Now in our World Culture Festival, artists from 40 countries will participate, 34 countries have already confirmed their participation. I had planned from the beginning that we would not invite artists from just one continent. Therefore, all continents will be represented in the event, from Africa to Australia and from Europe to South America.

Artists from 34 countries to participate in the 35-day-long event that begins on Sept 26

“Two groups from India are also coming. Some of the countries whose presence is confirmed are Rwanda, Congo, Egypt, Australia, India, the US, South Africa, Italy, Russia, Ukraine, Brazil, the UAE, Palestine, France and Pakistan,” he said.

Mr Shah said the event is called World Culture Festival and the council will collaborate with a lot of international artists during the 35 days. There will be theatrical performances, dance, music, workshops for students, talks and panel discussions on important topics pertaining to culture.

“We have also asked the foreign groups to engage in outreach programmes in Karachi’s educational institutions and underprivileged areas,” he said.

He said the impression that Pakistan is a dangerous country will be dispelled by the festival because artists from the so-called cultured countries are coming to our country. He added Pakistan’s own culture, music, theatre, classical, folk and dance will be on display in front of the whole world.

Writer Anwar Maqsood said whatever Ahmed Shah dreams about comes true. “This event is also a dream. We have not been happy in the last 77 years, but perhaps we will feel happy in the 35 days that the festival will last. I’m glad that groups from Jaipur and Mumbai will be here, too.”

Head of the council’s Theatre Department Khalid Ahmed said the festival is a huge event and facing its challenges will not be easy. He added it’s an opportunity for students and lovers of art to learn from.

Published in Dawn, August 18th, 2024