KARACHI: Tehrik-i-Niswan’s new under-construction cultural centre in the heart of DHA Phase 8 may not have been named as yet, but it is the realisation of a 40 years old dream that famous classical dancer, theatre director and activist Sheema Kermani had of a multi-purpose vibrant arts hub. And with the completion of the building foundation and the basement roof also being laid it was time, on Sunday, for a visit and sneak peek of the place.

The building being built on a 200 square yards commercial plot will have a versatile performance space for theatre dance and music, a dedicated space for holding exhibitions, a rehearsal area, a small auditorium, a recording studio and accommodation for visiting artists and teachers.

Of course, this is Sheema Kermani’s dream and vision that is now slowly finding fruition. She became slightly emotional while sharing that she always wanted to create such a place for artists but never had the money for it. “The money I received from the sale of my late parents’ 60-year-old house made it possible after all. I have been able to buy the plot and pay for the construction so far but for the rest I hope to raise more funds,” she said, adding that she is grateful to the building’s architect, Tariq Hasan, to have designed it pro bono. She also appealed to art lovers, patrons of art, philanthropists and citizens of Karachi for their support in the completion of the centre.

She said that the competition of the cultural centre will give the city an artistic sanctuary. “This will be a performance place for those I train in art and theatre. You know, you can change the mood and culture of a city if you have a performance there every day,” she said. “But even though there are many auditoriums in other cities of the world, here in Karachi we do not have that many options available to us. The rents are also high which makes accessibility an issue. Besides, not every space is women-friendly. Women performers in our society have had to face all kinds of attitudes and harassment,” she pointed out.

Despite selling off own property, the artist faces funding issues in completing Tehrik-i-Niswan’s cultural centre

Tariq Hasan, the architect, said that due to the building construction laws of the area they needed a piling foundation, which itself cost Sheema one crore rupees. “The basement will serve as music and recording studios, the ground floor will have the reception area. That said, we have tried to make multiple use of each area in the building. Two levels will have an auditorium and theatre with stage and good lighting,” he said, adding that right now their concern is the construction costs. “These days the construction of each square foot costs 15,000 rupees and here we are looking at more than 12,000 square feet of built area,” he said.

There were several suggestions offered to Sheema about how to go about raising funds for the completion of the building. Educationist Gul Jaffri had the idea of naming certain sections of the centre after donors while publisher Ameena Saiyid reminded her how the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture had sold bricks that were used in the building for fundraising by printing the name of the buyers on each brick.

The chief guest on the occasion, poet and writer Zehra Nigah said that Sheema has dedicated her life to an art which many people only see as entertainment, though it is so much more than that.

“There is dancing happening all around us if we pay any heed to it. There is the dance of the wind, the dance of the sun, moon and stars, the dance of the flora and fauna, which is all represented in Sufi dance,” she pointed out.

“Sheema wants everyone to express their talent and here she is building an accessible and affordable place for them to do so,” she added.

Poet and writer Dr Aliya Imam said that the culture centre will bring a revolution in our society. “Sheema, in these difficult times of war and uncertainty, is putting out blazing flames by sprinkling soft flower petals on them,” she said.

Writer and theatre director Anwer Jafri said that Karachi needs 50 such places actually. “But this, however small, is a good beginning. And designed so well with excellent planning it will contribute a lot to the cultural environment of this city,” he said.

Kathak dancer Nighat Chaudhry said that Sheema through her art is also building communities and this way she will be extending it to more people. “It will be a place where the dance community, theatre and the performing artists’ community will come together,” she said.

Contemporary dancer Wahab Shah said that any space that brings with it such energy as Sheema has been generating in the world of performing arts for so many years is amazing.

Later, the guests planted and watered trees in clay pots that will be placed at the construction site.

Published in Dawn, May 25th, 2026