Hazara art exhibition brings regional artists together in Abbottabad

ABBOTTABAD: An art exhibition organised by the Abbottabad Academy of Performing Arts (AAPA) has drawn artists, students and visitors from across Hazara Division, with participants and organisers describing it as an important step towards creating stronger cultural platforms in the region.

Held at Jalal Baba Auditorium in collaboration with the Hazara Abaseen Arts Council, the event combined a certificate distribution ceremony for Art Line Academy with an exhibition of paintings, calligraphy and other creative works by established as well as emerging artists from different parts of Hazara.

Visitors said the programme marked a rare opportunity for artists from multiple districts of Hazara to present their work collectively in Abbottabad after several years. Calligrapher Imama Rizwan said such a platform was needed within the region because artists had previously been travelling to Islamabad, Rawalpindi and other major cities to display their work. She said the exhibition highlighted the creative capacity of young artists and their ability to engage with contemporary themes through visual expression.

Chief guest and artist Nasir Shahzad said the exhibition reflected the depth of artistic talent in Hazara. He said artists needed mentorship, direction and opportunities in addition to encouragement, and described AAPA’s initiative as a constructive move towards establishing a lasting artistic environment.

Qazi Zubair, a senior artist and vice president of the Hazara Abaseen Arts Council, praised the organisers for placing established and new artists on a shared platform. He said such efforts helped promote a positive image of Abbottabad and reinforced the area’s cultural identity.

Veteran artist Parvez Khan said he was pleased to show his work before local audiences after nearly 50 years of exhibiting art in different parts of Pakistan. He said the occasion fulfilled a long-standing wish and urged young people to take up visual arts as a means of creativity, personal growth and emotional expression.

AAPA Executive Director Safdar Hussain said the academy had been set up to provide a common platform where artists, students and cultural practitioners could work together and develop their skills. He said more than a dozen artists took part in the first exhibition and added that the public response showed there was significant interest in cultural activity in the region.

Hussain also announced plans for a series of future performing and creative arts programmes aimed at offering training, mentorship and opportunities to young artists at both regional and national levels.