LAHORE: The National College of Arts (NCA) organised a symposium focusing on ‘Art and Design Education: Challenges and Opportunities’, attended by the art and design community and presided over by NCA Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Murtaza Jafri.

This event celebrated NCA’s 150 years of excellence (1875-2025) and marked the launch of JADEP, Pakistan’s first peer-reviewed art and design education journal.

The symposium featured a distinguished panel of guest speakers, including Sajjad Kausar, Dr Rahat Naveed Quddus Mirza, Ali Raza, Zeb Bilal and Saira Danish. Each speaker shared their perspectives on the evolving landscape of art and design education, highlighting the importance of innovation, inclusivity, and interdisciplinary approaches in nurturing creative talent.

Moderated by the accomplished Rabeya Jalil, the symposium provided a platform for thought-provoking discussions. The speakers addressed key topics, such as the integration of technology in art education, fostering critical thinking among students, and the need to adapt to global trends while preserving cultural heritage.

Prof Jafri emphasized the institution’s commitment to advancing art and design education in Pakistan.

He stated, “At NCA, we aim to inspire and equip the next generation of artists and designers with the skills and knowledge to make meaningful contributions both locally and globally.”

Published in Dawn, January 29th, 2025