KARACHI: The three-day “Arts Alumni Festival 2026” on Friday was inaugurated at Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi alongside the second grand convocation ceremony of the School of Visual and Performing Arts, celebrating emerging artistic talent and cultural excellence.
The festival was inaugurated by renowned humorist and intellectual Anwar Maqsood along with Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmed Shah by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Alumni Art Exhibition held at the Ahmed Pervez Art Gallery.
The exhibition featured 31 artworks by 19 emerging artists and drew appreciation from members of the artistic community, students and visitors. The opening ceremony was attended by Vice President Munawar Saeed, Secretary Ejaz Farooqi, Karachi Press Club President Fazil Jamili, Norwegian filmmaker Karen Houge, painter Shahid Rassam and other distinguished guests.
The second convocation ceremony, held at Auditorium I, honoured 55 graduates from various disciplines, including theatre, music, fine arts, communication design and textile design. Gold medals were awarded to outstanding students in theatre, music and fine arts, while several others received silver and bronze medals for academic excellence.
Addressing the ceremony, Anwar Maqsood termed the occasion “a day of happiness” and praised the remarkable creative work of students. He said the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi remains one of the country’s few institutions where artistic and cultural activities continue throughout the year.
Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmed Shah said the institution takes pride in its students and faculty and remains committed to providing young artists with opportunities to showcase their talent globally. He praised students for choosing art despite societal pressure toward conventional professions.
The opening day also featured classical music, Sufi performances, storytelling sessions and the theatre play “Dream Girl” by Karen Houge, which received an enthusiastic response from the audience.
The “Arts Alumni Festival 2026” will continue until May 10 with theatre productions, music performances, folk and classical dance, live art exhibitions and interactive dialogue sessions aimed at connecting alumni with emerging artists and promoting Pakistan’s cultural landscape.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026