Karachi: The Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, opened its second art exhibition, Constellations, on Thursday evening as part of the World Culture Festival 2026, bringing together works by 22 Pakistani and six international artists at the Ahmed Pervaiz Gallery.
Sindh Chief Secretary Syed Asif Hyder Shah inaugurated the exhibition on November 5, the eighth day of the festival, which features visual arts, theatre, music and workshops involving participants from Pakistan and abroad.
The exhibition will remain open until November 9, while the wider festival is scheduled to continue until November 22. Speaking at the inauguration, the chief secretary said art provided a means of connecting people across geographical and cultural boundaries.
He also announced plans to expand the festival in the coming years and encouraged Karachi residents to attend the remaining events.
Exhibition brings Pakistani and international artists together
The exhibition features artists from different parts of Pakistan alongside participants from six international backgrounds, providing a platform for cultural exchange through visual arts. Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmed Shah acknowledged the provincial government's support for the festival and said the institution aimed to promote cultural inclusion and dialogue.
He credited Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah with supporting the council's development, recalling his contribution during his tenure as Karachi commissioner. According to Ahmed Shah, the festival's programme reflects the institution's commitment to bringing artists from different communities and cultural traditions together.
The exhibition forms part of the Arts Council's efforts to provide Pakistani artists with opportunities to present their work alongside international participants.
Singaporean artist conducts live painting workshop
Earlier in the day, Singaporean visual artist Yip Yew Chong conducted a live painting session attended by students and art enthusiasts. The artist worked on a painting in front of the audience while answering questions about his techniques and creative process.
His participation also included the creation of a mural titled Mera Karachi, unveiled during the festival. Known for depicting everyday life through murals and paintings, Chong's work focuses on urban environments, communities and cultural memory.
The session allowed visitors to observe the process of creating artwork rather than viewing only completed pieces.
Theatre performances expand festival programme
The day's activities also included Troy! Stowaways in the Trojan Horse, a children's play directed by Uzma Sabeen. Adapted from a German production, the Urdu language play presents the story of children who enter the wooden horse associated with the legend of Troy.
The production was staged at the Arts Council and drew an audience of children and families. Another performance, Lilith, by the United States-based performance company ANIKAYA, was also scheduled for Thursday evening. The theatre programme runs alongside exhibitions, workshops and other performances throughout the festival.
Karachi's role in cultural exchange
The World Culture Festival has developed into a platform for collaboration between Pakistani and international artists, with the Arts Council hosting performances and exhibitions across different disciplines.
Beyond presenting artwork, the event provides opportunities for students and emerging artists to interact with practitioners from other countries. The participation of 28 artists in Constellations reflects the festival's emphasis on cultural exchange and representation.
However, its longer term contribution will depend on whether such events lead to continued collaborations, exhibition opportunities and access to audiences beyond the festival. Visitors can view Constellations at the Ahmed Pervaiz Gallery until November 9, while other activities will continue at the Arts Council through November 22.
