Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi gears up as the World Culture Festival commences tomorrow
The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, in collaboration with the Government of Sindh, will officially host the World Culture Festival from October 31 to December 7, offering a 38-day celebration of art, music, theatre, and dance from around the globe.
At a press conference held today, Ahmed Shah, President of the ACP Karachi, and Syed Hassan Naqvi, Commissioner Karachi, highlighted the extensive preparations that have gone into making the event a success. The two officials have worked closely together, a collaboration that has earned the Government of Sindh significant recognition for supporting the festival.
One of the festival’s key goals, Ahmed Shah stated, is to “portray a soft image of the country and city.” He emphasised, “I want people to forget the wrongful image that the world has of my province and of my city.” In line with this vision, the ACP Karachi has coordinated with foreign ministries to establish cultural diplomacy and strengthen international engagement through the arts.
The festival will feature a weekly two-hour slot dedicated to film screenings, including Sarmad Khoosat’s 2022 drama film Kamli on November 29 and Noya Manush by Sohel Rana Boyati on the same day. Each region and continent will have its own showcase, highlighting a diversity of talent from around the world.
Artists from 18 to 20 countries have already begun arriving, with delegates present today from Kosovo, Sweden, Argentina, Bangladesh, and the dance troupe Street Dancers Congo. Protocols for hosting foreign delegates and guests have been planned by Ahmed Shah and Hassan Naqvi, beginning from the airport to ensure a smooth and welcoming experience.
The Sindh police have also implemented an elaborate security plan to allow delegates to feel at ease and comfortable throughout their visit. Hassan Naqvi noted that the Deputy Commissioner South and provincial administrations have been actively involved, stating, “We are, if not equal, but great partners in this collaboration.”
Highlighting local talent is a key focus of the festival. Ahmed Shah emphasised the importance of showcasing the rich arts scene in Sindh, covering music, theatre, dance, and visual arts. Addressing the idea of regional representation, he clarified, “By Sindhi artists I mean not just those who are ethnically Sindhi but rather all those who live in Sindh are actually Sindhi.”
The festival will also feature standout performances from legendary artists, including Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, who serves as the festival’s ambassador (but as Ahmad Shah reminded us that the big names are not the only thing that people should look forward to, there will be a plethora of unique artists). He is scheduled to perform at the closing ceremony on December 7 at the YMCA lawn, marking a high point of the event.
The World Culture Festival officially begins tomorrow and will bring together global artists and local talent in a celebration of creativity and cultural exchange.
