Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi organized an art exhibition titled “BTS – Behind the Stage” on the third day of the 35-day World Culture Festival 2024. The event was inaugurated by Provincial Minister for Culture and Tourism, Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, alongside President of the Arts Council, Muhammad Ahmed Shah.
The exhibition showcased the works of over 20 international artists and six Pakistani painters, featuring paintings, textile designs, and sculptures. Notable figures included members of a South African group and renowned artist FarukhShahab. President Ahmed Shah emphasized the festival’s goal of promoting local art, stating, “Artists from around the world are participating, and we are also promoting local talent. Art from Azerbaijan, valued at billions, is included in the exhibition, along with works from some of the most prominent artists who have left us.”
He also highlighted the success of young artists from Lyari, who have transformed into celebrated figures, with their work now displayed in four major galleries across Pakistan.
Provincial Minister Zulfiqar Ali Shah expressed his delight in witnessing the talent of the youth, mentioning plans to take them to Mehran University and Shaheed Allah Bakhsh University for further learning opportunities. He affirmed Karachi’s vital role, saying, “Karachi is the heart of Pakistan, and its positive image is now visible worldwide.”
He also noted that a large-scale craft festival will soon take place in Karachi, further promoting the city’s cultural richness. The exhibition featured works by artists including Bakhtiar Ahmed, Habiba Majid, Azmi Sabin, Bilal Jabbar, Kiran Aslam, Hanan Munir, Zeenat Khan, Amara Rafiq, Anam Ashraf, YasraTaqiullah, Javed Jan, Amina Khan, AkashJioraj, ShahzadBaloch, Hina Tabassum, Zahra Jokhio, Amina Qamar, and Bilal Ahmed, along with Habiba Safdar and Arooj Faheem.