Art and diplomacy converge on Day 2 of WCF

Global artists, diplomats share creative space as Karachi celebrates culture through film, theatre, and music

KARACHI:

The second day of the World Culture Festival 2025, organised by the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, turned the city into a vivid canvas of art, culture, and music, uniting creative minds from over 140 countries in a celebration of peace and diversity.

The day began with the opening of the art exhibition 'Peace & Pieces — Volume 1' at the Ahmed Pervez Art Gallery, inaugurated by Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah.

Joined by Arts Council President Mohammad Ahmed Shah and ambassadors from Nepal and Argentina, the event showcased paintings from Argentina, Bangladesh, Comoros, and Sweden.

In his remarks, Asif Shah praised the universality of art, calling it a "language without borders." He highlighted the growing international participation in this year's festival and credited the Sindh government for its continued support of cultural exchange.

Ambassadors Rita Dhital and Leopoldo Sahores echoed similar sentiments, calling Karachi's festival a "bridge between nations."

A session on 'Cultural Diplomacy between Pakistan and Nepal' followed, where the diplomats emphasised art's role in fostering dialogue and understanding between nations.

The film segment, 'Opening Shorts Diplomacy & Exchange', presented works from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, exploring themes of emotion, distance, and resilience.

As the afternoon unfolded, the 'Ballet Beyond Borders' dance workshop energised participants with rhythmic performances and lessons in global dance traditions.

Later, Kosovo's theatre troupe took the stage with 'Te Turperuarit', an Albanian play exploring shame, identity, and social prejudice. The performance earned thunderous applause for its emotional depth and cultural relevance.

The festival's vibrant day concluded with a 'Mega Music Concert' under the open Karachi sky. Artists from Syria, Belgium, Nepal, France, and Bangladesh shared the stage with Pakistan's Bilal Saeed, Akhtar Chanal, and Akbar Khamiso Khan, creating a symphony of languages, rhythms, and cultures that embodied the festival's true spirit — unity through art.