Karachi celebrates art and heritage at Art Fest 2026

Karachi once again became a hub of colours, creativity and culture as Art Fest Karachi 2026 opened its doors to artists, students and the general public at Sumbra Art Gallery.

Organised by the Sindh Culture Department, the exhibition was inaugurated by Zulfiqar Ali Shah, Provincial Minister for Culture Sindh, drawing large crowds eager to engage with the city’s artistic heritage.

The exhibition traced Sindh’s long visual history, moving from the legacy of Mohenjo Daro and the Indus Valley civilisation to contemporary artistic expressions. Ancient motifs and modern interpretations shared wall space, offering visitors a layered view of how history continues to shape creative practice in the province. Attendees paused before canvases rich in colour and symbolism, many noting the technical skill and diversity of the participating artists.

Speaking at the event, Zulfiqar Ali Shah said, “This exhibition unites the ancient civilization of Sindh with the art of the modern era. Through this platform, we also aim to provide students with scholarship opportunities.”

He added, “Young artists from all over Sindh have gathered here, and I believe this is a great opportunity. Pakistan has produced great artists like Gul Jee, and we should encourage more talent to emerge. We will try to take this exhibition not only across Sindh, but also to Balochistan, Punjab, KPK, and other cities. Our aim is to bring artists under one roof and create new ideas.”

The festival, themed Indus Tree, positioned itself as a platform for national and international recognition while seeking to reconnect younger audiences with their cultural roots. Students, art professionals and citizens attended in large numbers, reflecting sustained public interest in exhibitions that bridge heritage and contemporary expression.