Young artists shine at art exhibit

Pakistan's largest children's visual arts initiative showcases 85 finalist works

ISLAMABAD:

The Little Art successfully concluded the 18th ArtBeat National Child Art Exhibition and prize distribution ceremony at the Islamabad Art Gallery on Saturday, marking another significant milestone for Pakistan's largest and longest-running visual arts initiative for children and young people.

ArtBeat 18 invited young participants from across the country to interpret three creative themes — Images of Nature, Spring in Pakistan and Beyond the Stars. Thousands of submissions were received from more than 500 schools in over 100 cities, including entries from public institutions and children with special needs, underscoring the programme's commitment to inclusivity and equitable access to arts education.

After a rigorous jury review, 85 outstanding works from the northern region — comprising Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar and Abbottabad — were selected for display in the capital.

The jury panel for the 18th edition included distinguished artists and educators: Irfan Gul Dahri, Shireen Bano Rizvi, Ali Azmat, Waqas Khan, Kiran Saleem and Najia Azmat. Submissions were evaluated with particular emphasis on originality, creativity and the distinct visual language of each child.

The opening ceremony drew a notable audience from the visual arts, academia, diplomacy, science and music sectors. Guests of honour included: Azam Jamal — Visual Artist and Sculptor, affiliated with fine art departments at various universities, Zareen Gull (Visual Artist and Art Educationist, associated with fine art departments at various universities), Aqeel Ahmed Solangi (Associate Professor and Head of Painting and Sculpture, NCA Rawalpindi), Nadia Batool Hussain (Visual Artist, Art Educator and Assistant Professor at NCA Rawalpindi), Lovisa Hofmann (First Secretary at the Embassy of Sweden in Pakistan, Human Rights Advocate and International Development Expert), Yumna Majeed (Space Educator and Founder of Exploration), and Natasha Humera Ejaz (Singer-Songwriter, Producer and Voice Actor).

Initiated in 2012 by The Little Art, ArtBeat seeks to nurture visual literacy, encourage critical and creative thinking, and provide a meaningful national platform for young voices. Over its eighteen editions, the project has engaged tens of thousands of emerging artists from across Pakistan.

The Little Art reaffirmed its commitment to empowering children and young people — particularly from under-represented communities — through sustained access to arts education, creative expression and cultural participation.