Artist convention: A saving grace?

Artistes across the province have been invited, especially those suffering due to non-availability of work

LAHORE: For the very first time, the artiste community across Punjab will be gathering today at the Artist Convention, Islamabad where a charter of demand will be submitted for the welfare of artistes, culture and showbiz. A charter of demand is a collection of demands put before the management for improvement in service conditions and wages.

Once all demands are collected, suggestions will be sent to the Prime Minister of Pakistan. A welfare fund will also be necessitated to boost the entertainment industry.

Pakistan’s cultural diversity manifests itself in halls of PNCA

This convention was organised by the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) and according to its Director General, Jamal Shah, this is the first time any such demands have been raised before the federal government.

“The welfare of the artists in the country is the responsibility of the state and following this vision, for the first time ever, this convention has been organised,” said Shah.

PHOTO: FILE

Around 400 artistes across the province have been invited, especially those suffering due to the non-availability of work. PNCA has arranged their stay during the event and will take care of all the participants’ expenditures.

Famous artistes including Fawad Khan, Humayun Saeed, Shaan Shahid, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Nadeem Beyg, Bushra Ansari, Sangeeta, Nisho, Sain Zahoor, Suraiya Multanikar, Naghma Begum, Syed Noor, Mustafa Qureshi, Arif Lohar, Hina Dilpazeer, Ghulam Mohiuddin amongst others have been invited.

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM

Besides them, many representatives of artiste organisations have also been invited. They have all been asked to come prepared with suggestions for the welfare of local showbiz.

The event will be split into various segments, one of which will be a special session where film-related personalities will discuss the current situation of the industry and what the future holds for showbiz. Similarly, a session specifically for the music industry will also be held.

Dark aspects of society reflect on stage

Speaking of the convention, Shah stated, “I am hopeful that it will be very useful for the future of our artistes and the entertainment industry. Artists are the ambassador of any state and this convention will provide a platform for them to speak their thoughts regarding the industry’s welfare.”

He concluded, “Following that, a comprehensive charter of demand will be framed where artistes from all around the nation will be able to put their concerns forward and discuss personal issues in a bid to find some solutions.”

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