Pak-China friendship opens doors for local artists

Local artists have been invited to a 15-day exchange program in China.

With the new democratic government, the Pak-China friendship continues to pick up pace. Cultural exchanges have always played a big part between the two countries.

According to a new cultural agreement signed between the governments of Pakistan and China, for the years 2013 to 2015, the Chinese government has invited five Pakistani visual artists to participate in a 15-days workshop. The residency program began on August 12 and will last until August 27.

The stay in China includes visits to various historical sites, art museums and art institutions apart from the opportunity of sketching and painting at the Great Wall of China and Bashang Prairie. Besides visiting places like Tian’anmen Square, National Museum, Houhai and the Yandaixie Lane, The Forbidden City, Olympic Stadium, Songzhuang and Silk Street, the team of five will also get the chance to meet and exchange thoughts with other artists at 798 Art District and Jinhui Art School.

Participants will be meeting with Chinese artists at different institutes and will share their thoughts on local art. PHOTO: PUBLICITY

While in China, the artists will be working on projects and their art work will be displayed at an exhibition. The formal opening of this exhibition will be on August 25. The participants will also be awarded certificates of recognition at a formal closing dinner.

The five Pakistani painters participating include, Akram Dost Baluch, Masood A Khan, Aqeel Solangi, Zaira Ahmad Zaka and Mobeen Salman Ansari. They have been selected by the visual arts division of Pakistan National Council of the Arts.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 22^nd, 2013.

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