NEWS DESK
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) and the Foundation for Arts, Culture, and Education, with the generous support of the U.S. Mission to Pakistan, successfully concluded a five-day Masterclass on “Arts for Social Change” at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) in Islamabad from September 18 to 22, 2023. The event brought together 39 U.S. exchange alumni from various regions of Pakistan, representing diverse fields such as visual arts, literature, music, theatre, and filmmaking. Five accomplished mentors guided the participants in their artistic endeavors.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Bettina Malone, Minister Counselor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Mission to Pakistan, lauded the participants, saying, “Through your work, you have explored complex issues like the rights of marginalized communities, environmental protection, and the promotion of peace and cross-cultural understanding through artistic expression. We have invested in you and this Masterclass because we recognize the positive and meaningful impact of arts and culture in Pakistan, the United States, and globally.”
Muhammad Ayoub Jamali, Director General of the Pakistan National Council of Arts, expressed his honor at being part of the unique and non-traditional Art Residency, emphasizing the importance of continuing the torch of critical thinking in academic, professional, and personal pursuits.
Zeejah Fazli, CEO of the Foundation for Arts, Culture, and Education (FACE), shared his pride and gratitude for the transformative impact of the initiative on both artists and the communities they aim to serve. He highlighted how dedicated artists engaged in meaningful collaborations using art as a powerful tool for positive change, resonating deeply with the people they worked with.
Experts from various artistic domains, including film, theater, visual arts, literature, sculpture, and music, underscored the pivotal role of arts in addressing global challenges and effecting practical societal changes.
The Masterclass encompassed a blend of lectures, discussions, interactive sessions, and practical activities, both indoors and outdoors. Participants delved into a wide range of topics, including literature, visual arts, music, theatre, and filmmaking.
The U.S. government’s commitment to fostering cultural exchange is evident through its annual investment of more than $40 million in exchange programs for Pakistani citizens to visit and study in the United States. Over the years, these programs have enabled over 1,000 Pakistanis to participate in high school, undergraduate, graduate, and professional U.S.-sponsored exchanges. Since the inception of the alumni network in 2008, American contributions have resulted in more than 18,000 college scholarships for Pakistani students.
