KARACHI: Method and Madness, the first exhibition out of five planned during the World Culture Festival, was opened by Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab on Friday.
After witnessing the artworks on view made by 12 international and 14 Pakistani artists, Mr Wahab spoke to the media and the artists at the Arts Council, Karachi.
He welcomed them all to Karachi and hoped they would enjoy their stay in the city and their interaction with fellow artists.
During the exhibition, speaking to Dawn, Ireland’s ambassador to Pakistan Mary O’Neill said the atmosphere at the event was super exciting. “It’s great to see artists from around the world.”
Answering a question about the importance of holding such events at a time when the world is faced with conflicts, she said these events are important because they transcend circumstances.
The festival has brought together around 1,000 international artists from more than 150 countries, alongside 500 Pakistani artists, transforming Karachi into a vibrant meeting point of world cultures.
The 25-day festival, scheduled to be ended on Nov 22, offers an extraordinary platform for artists, performers, writers and creative communities from across the globe to share their cultural traditions, social norms, culinary practices, literary expressions and contemporary artistic trends.
The World Culture Festival - Karachi 2026 features an extensive programme of music, theatre, dance, visual arts, films, workshops, live mural painting, fine arts sessions and interactive cultural discussions.
Pakistani folk traditions, qawwali, contemporary music and theatrical productions are being presented alongside international performances, creating opportunities for artistic learning, collaboration and cross-cultural engagement.
With artists and cultural representatives from more than 150 countries, the festival offers a remarkable opportunity to experience the diversity of human civilisation under one roof.
Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2026
