KARACHI: The three-day second edition of the Grande Art and Culture Workshop organised by the Crescent Art Gallery is under way at Bagh-i-Jinnah, Frere Hall, on Saturday.

The event began on Friday afternoon and will continue till Sunday (today).

The workshop adds a great deal to the already vibrant art atmosphere in the country. The remarkable boost in the reputation and value of Pakistani artists in the world in recent times — such as Shazia Sikandar and Imran Qureshi — has also proved inspirational for the younger lot in Pakistan to emulate their seniors.

This was evident on Saturday as well where even a cursory glance at the event could make the onlooker realise how passionately the young ones are participating in the programme.

The boys and girls spread across the park had their easels set up the way they were in the previous edition. Most of them looked more than competent to earn a name for themselves in the world of art in years to come.

Organisers say this year expected number of students may touch 8,000 mark

Claimed to be the largest international art event taking place in Pakistan, last year 3,000 students registered for the event from across the country. This year, it plans to go beyond that.

Talking to Dawn, Nasir Javed, who runs the Crescent Art Gallery, said: “This is the second part of our workshop which started in 2022. At the time a good number of young boys and girls from educational institutions all over Pakistan took part in it.”

“And this time around, too, the senior artists who’re going to grace the occasion have arrived to guide the young aspiring painters. They include the likes of Qamar Siddiqui and Chitra Pritam. With regard to the expected number of students as per our listing, it will touch the 8,000 mark,” he said.

Mr Javed pointed out an effort that he said would be a record. The senior artists will contribute to making a 300ft painting on the Frere Hall premises.

“The previous record was made in Dubai and we intend to break it,” he said.

The opening day was marked by a colourful atmosphere in which live music was played and a group of dancers danced on the sprawling lawns of the iconic Frere Hall.

The event is being held in collaboration with the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC).

Published in Dawn, February 12th, 2023