LAHORE, Aug 9: Governor Lt-Gen Khalid Maqbool (retired) gave formal approval on Friday to the establishment of performing art galleries in Lahore and Rawalpindi.

The governor was presiding over a meeting here at Alhamra.

Classes in drama, film, music and puppetry would start in Lahore from next month.

The Information Department secretary briefed the governor on the working of arts councils in nine cities in the province. He said the Lahore Arts Council had earned Rs16.7 million last month.

Further, he said, cultural activities at the open air theatre of the Alhamra Cultural Complex, Qadhafi Stadium, had grown fourfold.

The governor said the government would ensure full utilization of the arts councils resources to promote the Punjabi culture and to provide quality entertainment to the people. He said the government did not want the councils to make money but to allow promotion of fine arts and cultural mores.

The governor directed the LAC administration to keep rates of its quality plays lower than the commercial threatre and also distribute complimentary passes among people belonging to various sections of the society.

He asked the authorities to make necessary amendments in the relevant laws to eliminate the complicated procedure for seeking permission for cultural activities at the arts councils. He also directed that Burney Gardens adjacent to Alhamra be handed over to the LAC.

The governor approved the budget for the installation of a movable stage, sound system and security gadgets at Alhamra and a plan to promote naat khwani, calligraphy and mushaira.

He asked the officials concerned to engage reputable companies for the maintenance and security of Alhamra and to speedily complete the construction of Rawalpindi and Faisalabad arts council buildings.— Staff Reporter