Danish-funded project: Art has power to bridge cultural disparities, says Danish envoy

Pakistan Culture and Development Programme launched

ISLAMABAD: Art and culture are significant tools in bridging cultural disparities and encouraging tolerance.

This was stated by Denmark’s Ambassador to Pakistan Jesper Moller Sorensen while speaking at the launch of a two-year project aimed at promoting Pakistani art and culture.

The launching ceremony of “Pakistan Culture and Development Programme” was held at Lok Virsa here on Tuesday. The programme, funded by the Government of Denmark, aims at promoting cultural cooperation between the two countries.

Sorensen said it was unfortunate that the cultural space had seen so many challenges in Pakistan in recent years. “But it is during these challenging times that we must encourage and support those who want to express their creativity and innovation,” the envoy added.

He said that one part of the programme focused particularly on creative industries and economic growth. “The importance of creativity and innovation should not be underestimated particularly in the private sector,” the ambassador said.

The project has been initiated by the Danish Center for Culture and Development (CKU) in collaboration with national civil society organisations in all four provinces of Pakistan, as well as Fata and Gilgit-Baltistan. The Danish government will be investing a total of $3.7 million in the project.

“I think it is amazing for us coming from outside to see how much is happening on the cultural front in Pakistan. This event is a manifestation of that. I, particularly, am delighted to see so many people gathered for culture development, people who are concerned with society and have taken the responsibility to promote art and culture,” said Elisabeth Krogh, the executive director of CKU.

“This programme will not only develop culture but also promote creative expression,” she said.

It was highlighted that the programme would focus on three main areas; empowerment of people through active participation in art and cultural activities, enhancement of economic growth through creative industries and the promotion of intercultural dialogue and collaboration at national, regional and international levels.

“We aim to involve women and the youth and representatives of Fata and Gilgit-Baltistan because we do not just want to focus on the main areas but also involve the minorities,” Krogh said.

Lok Virsa Executive Director Dr Fouzia Saeed appreciated Denmark and CKU for bringing the dynamic art and culture programme to Pakistan.

The ceremony featured entertaining and socially representative cultural, folk, musical and theatrical performances by CKU’s partner organisations and also featured a special performance by Cholistani performers and storytellers.

Specific scenes from the acclaimed play “Bulleh Shah” were enacted and a musical performance by student-teacher duo from Balochistan on Baloch folk musical instruments “Saroz” and “Chaghaka” was performed at the event.

Minister of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Pervaiz Rashid along with several other dignitaries, academics, media officials, art and culture enthusiasts, and representatives from the civil society and diplomatic corps attended the ceremony.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 27^th, 2015.