KARACHI: A panel discussion at the World Culture Festival (WCF 2026) on Monday evening proved to be a worthy session in which artists from different countries expressed their opinions on the role of an artist in the contemporary world faced with conflicts and chaos.
German sculptor Petra Kaltenbach said art is all about building bridges and that’s what the World Culture Festival organised by the Arts Council is doing. “People from different countries and culture see each other in different ways and talk about different subjects. By this way, we’re all walking towards a peaceful future.”
Singapore’s muralist Yip Yew Chong, highlighting the positive image of Pakistan, said three days back he posted something about the festival on Instagram and thousands of people saw it.
“They were not just from my country Singapore, but from South East Asia, Pakistan and Europe. My friends said ‘you’re in Pakistan, what is Pakistan like’. Some of my countrymen also said ‘this was not what we expected’. I opened up the understanding of Pakistan to them. I think the goal of the World Culture Festival has already been achieved,” he said.
At World Culture Festival’s fifth day, workshop by Japanese bass player turns into a concert
Kenyan visual artist Nelson Ijaka said, “As an artist, for the past 14 or 15 years, I’ve been a highly socio-politically activated individual… If we do not support each other in having conversations that matter today using our creativity, we might not be able to help someone on the other side of the world.”
He added, “I believe as artists, today, we are all political actors. It is important to stand up, shout out and be proud of what your creativity can do in saving somebody else.”
The session was moderated by Shahid Rassam.
‘Beyond the bassline’
An engaging workshop on the importance of the bass guitar titled ‘Beyond the bassline’ conducted by Japanese bass player Juna Serita turned into a bit of a concert because of her amazing skills and prodigious talent.
She told the audience, which largely constituted of students and lovers of music, that bass guitar is an important instrument in the composition of a song because when the bass pattern changes, the entire song changes.
She started off the workshop by playing her song ‘Spark’ for the audience. Serita said she made the track two years after she began to learn the instrument. She now sings, writes songs and works as a back-up artist playing the bass.
Mentioning a famous drummer in Japan and her early days into the field of music, the musician said she was inspired by the art form and wanted to express herself through it.
Initially, she played the guitar but realised she didn’t have the talent for it. Then she wondered, since guitar has six strings and bass guitar has four, she thought the latter might be easier. Subsequently, Serita fell in love with it.
In the theatrical component of the event, Italy’s Tom Corradini presented Shaolin Clown.
The performer, by virtue of gestures, movements and a bit of background music, emphasised the significance of the “beauty that surrounds human beings”.
Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026
