Creativity meets purpose at 'Ummed-e-Nau Bahar'

The 'Ummed-e-Nau Bahar' mega art and literature event at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), brings together artists, writers, scholars, and students in a vibrant celebration of creativity, hope, and human values.

Organised by visual artist, writer, and motivational speaker Qamar Siddiqui, the exhibition showcased art as a medium to promoted social harmony and positive cultural expression. It was divided into four major segments, including a striking 100-foot painting and literature installation.

The event featuring collaborative works by artists, writers, and students from institutions such as Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi, and Benazir Bhutto Women University, Peshawar.

The central theme revolves around honesty, sincerity, purity, peace, unity, and true success, reflecting the organisers' aim to highlight art as a force for societal inspiration. The displays explore diverse artistic expressions while maintaining a unifying theme of social responsibility and ethical values.

The exhibition features both individual and collaborative artworks. A family art showcase by Momina Qamar, Hina Qamar, M Abdullah, and Qamar Siddiqui was presented alongside a group exhibition highlighting the work of Nusrat Ji, Murad Khan, Makhtoom Fatima, Numaira, Shazia Jaffrey, Tayyaba Aziz, Ayesha Qamar, Saima Aamir, Zakir Ali, Sidra Ashraf, Nadia Raza, and Mazhar Qureshi.

In addition to the visual and literary exhibits, an AKL Awards ceremony was held to honour artists, scholars, writers, and social figures for their dedicated contributions to humanity. The exhibition, which continues to be open to the public until February 6, offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience a fusion of visual art and literature on a grand scale.

The event was inaugurated by Culture Ministry secretary Asad Rehman Gilani, along with Director General PNCA, M Ayoub Jamali, and Chairperson of the Pakistan Academy of Letters, Dr Najeeba Arif.

Addressing the gathering, Gilani praised the initiative and emphasised the role of cultural activities in promoting positive values and enhancing Pakistan's soft image internationally.

Gilani also presented the awards and announced plans to publish a coffee-table book documenting the exhibition, as well as intentions to take the show to international forums to promote Pakistan's message of unity, peace, and honesty.

The event has been widely hailed as a testament to the power of art and literature in fostering creativity, promoting ethical values, and strengthening national and cultural identity.

On the last day on February 6, the PNCA would unveil an immersive sculptural outdoor exhibition. Unfolding across the PNCA lawns and amphitheatre, 'In the Meantime' an installation garden Curated by Noor Fatima will transforms space into a site of reflection and pause.