Pakistan National Council of the Arts

Pakistan National Council of the Arts (Urdu: پاکستان قومی انجمن برائے فنون, or PNCA) was set up to spearhead the development of arts in Pakistan by an Act of Parliament in 1973. It aims to build a robust arts ecosystem by creating an environment conducive to the flourishing of the arts, where the arts are accessible to everyone and artists and art groups have the commitment, financial support and resources, and to excel at home, and on the world stage. PNCA policies are framed by its Board of Governors which reports to the Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division.[1]

Not to be confused with National College of Arts.

Pakistan National Council of the Arts
پاکستان قومی انجمن فنون
Government of Pakistan Ministries Departments
Agency overview
TypeCouncil responsible for promotion of culture, art, musics, film, and theatre
Agency executive
  • Fouzia Saeed, Director General in 2021
Websitepnca.org.pk
Footnotes
National Heritage and Culture Division

Headquarters

It is based in Sector F-5/1, Islamabad, Pakistan.[1][2]

Divisions

The Council is structured into four major divisions:

Visual Arts

The Visual Arts Division (VAD) was established /set up in 1974 initially named as "Plastic Arts Division". The Division has two operational components, when initiated; The National Art Gallery (NAG) & Design Section (initially functioning in a residential facility and shifted to its permanent venue in 2007).

In July 2017, China's culture was showcased at the PNCA.[3]

Performing Arts

Performing Arts Division of PNCA is mandated for the promotion and preservation of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. It is engaged in organizing different shows/ programmes representing provincial/ regional cultures/ heritage – (Dance, Music and Drama).[2][4]

A National Music Festival was held to commemorate the 70th Independence Day of Pakistan in August 2017. The events were scheduled as follows:

  • Day one – Performances by all classical singers from different parts of the country[5]
  • Day two – Performances by the Pakistani instrumentalists[5]
  • Day three – Performances by all the folk singers[5]

Pictorial exhibitions

To celebrate the culture and heritage of Pakistan, pictorial exhibitions are also held at the PNCA. These picture displays capture folk heritage, traditional architecture and just routine life in Pakistan. In October 2017, a photo exhibition from Colombia titled 'Amazing Amazon' was held at PNCA.[6]

Children Art Workshop

—Pakistan National Council of the Arts has a section, Children Art Workshop. CAW organizes following colourful programmes round the year:

—* Independence Day 14 August[5] ——* Pakistan Day 23 March ——* Universal Children Day 21 November ——* Speech Competition Day ——* Naat Competition Day ——* Singing Competition Day ——* Mehfil-Millad Day

National Puppet Theatre

National Puppet Theatre was established in 1975. It was a great step taken by Pakistan National Council of the Arts, Ministry of Culture & Pakistan in order to revive the most popular folk art, which was dying due to negligence. Two groups were sent to China for Rod puppet training in 1975 & 1979 & a third was sent to Poland in 1987.Since then its quest to promote the art of puppetry, at home and in remote/ far flung areas of Pakistan, is in progress. NPT is carrying on its services to entertain/educate the children and norms through puppetry at home by conducting free puppet shows every Friday at Liaquat Memorial Hall, Rawalpindi in the past & is carrying on this legacy of entertainment even today every Monday at National Art Gallery, Islamabad with its eleven-member team. This team of National Puppet Theatre also holds shows every year to highlight important international events like Earthquake Victims Day, Kashmir Solidarity Day, Pakistan Day Celebrations, Independence Day Celebrations, World Tourism Day, and Universal Children Day & Quaid-e-Azam Day Celebrations.[5][4]

Mission

In developing artistic talent, the Council provides total support through grants, training, arts housing, commissioning of work and overseas touring. Major festivals and arts shows are organized to showcase the best of local and international artists. New talents are identified and developed through music and writing competition. Annual awards are given to artists in recognition of their achievements and to patterns for arts sponsorship. To build new audience and broaden arts participation, the Council engages the wider community in the arts through outreach programmes targeted at different sectors of the population. It also endorses arts education programmes for artists and arts groups.[1]

See also

References
  1. "Profile of Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA)". Government of Pakistan website. 13 March 2013. Archived from the original on 28 June 2014. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. 'Pakistan Land and Life' celebrates country's rich culture Pakistan Today (newspaper), Published 17 April 2018, Retrieved 10 May 2018
  3. Asma Kundi (8 July 2017). "PNCA opens exhibition showcasing Chinese art". Dawn (newspaper). Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  4. (Associated Press of Pakistan) PNCA finalises preparations to celebrate Pakistan Day in befitting manner The News International (newspaper), Published 14 March 2021, Retrieved 13 November 2021
  5. PNCA Independence Day celebrations to start tomorrow The News International (newspaper), Published 3 August 2017, Retrieved 13 November 2021
  6. Maliha Safiullah (26 October 2017). "Colombian festival inaugurated at PNCA". Dawn (newspaper). Retrieved 13 November 2021.
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