LAHORE: A two-day festival, Heritage Now, is kicking off to celebrate the cultural heritage of Pakistan at the Alhamra Arts Centre today (Saturday).

Heritage Now, aimed at celebrating and reflecting upon the cultural heritage, is bringing together professionals from across Pakistan and various other countries to discuss the issues facing the museums and heritage sector through conversation, performance and art. It includes panel discussions, academic paper presentations, exhibitions, crafts and performances, and art-based activities for children – providing an opportunity for people of all ages and interests to interact with the tangible and intangible heritage of the country.

The festival is starting at 9m and would conclude on Sunday night. Its special features include Song of Lahore, a documentary by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and Sachal Studio Orchestra besides a performance by “Le Concert Impromptu,” a French quintet band.

The event will also feature Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s first immersive exhibition, HOME1947, for the first time in Pakistan. This exhibition is based on stories from people who left their homes in 1947. It will display these refugee narratives in the form of photography, sound design short documentaries and installations.

The organisers of Heritage Now include the British Council, Walled City of Lahore Authority, French Embassy in Pakistan, Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, UNESCO and Government of Pakistan National History & Literary Heritage Division.

Published in Dawn, October 21st, 2017