Nasir Bagh to have sculpture park

LAHORE:The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) Lahore has initiated work to open a pioneering public sculpture garden at Nasir Bagh. The sculpture garden is expected to be operational by early next month.

PHA’s spokesperson announced this on Sunday and said the sculpture park will comprise an outdoor garden featuring sculptures and numerous permanently situated works crafted from durable materials within landscaped surroundings. The proposed facility will operate in conjunction with The Barracks, a new art gallery developed by the PHA and inaugurated by Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman at the iconic site in February 2024. Initially, the department has commissioned renowned artists such as Imran Qureshi, Risham Hosain Syed, Saeed Akhtar, Talat Dabir, Shahid Sajjad, Rasheed Araeen, Rashid Rana, Tahir Mahmood, and Meherunnisa Asad for the project. The sculptures will be crafted from clay, grass, concrete and other eco-friendly material to preserve the sanctity of Nasir Bagh, the spokesperson said. According to the spokesperson, these artworks will be a permanent addition to The Barracks art gallery, serving as "a gift from the artists and friends of Lahore to the city."