PNCA chief promises support to artists

Islamabad : Director General of the Pakistan National Council of the Arts Dr. Fouzia Saeed has assured artists of her support for their development.

She also said the PNCA was a national organisation, which would work closely with the provinces in addition to its role in Islamabad.

The PNCDA DG was speaking to the country's leading artists, who met her in Lahore to discuss the core issues of their community members and art.

Naheed Siddique complained that art had always been the neglected area in the country, especially classical dance. She, however, hoped that the government will take care of that genre of art.

Usman Peerzada said initiatives should be seen through their conclusion.

Ghazala Irfan said art should be part of school syllabus, while the government should purchase art works to support the makers.

The artists vouched their support to the new PNCA chief. They also expressed the need for support in terms of removing procedural hurdles and becoming more responsive to the cultural institutes, run privately, as they are the ones carrying on the development and promotion of the arts.

Dr Fouzia visited Lahore for two days to learn about the issues of the 'culture community'. She met prominent artists and cultural institute heads and discussed how the PNCA should facilitate and proceed in its future work. The PNCA chief met artists Usman Peerzada, Samina Peerzada, Fariha Pervaiz, Naheed Siddiqui, Shahid Mehmood Nadeem, Sarwat Ali, Mohammad Waseem, Rafiq Jaffer, Saman Rai, Muneeza Hashmi, Ghazala Rehman, Ghazala Irfan and Fareeda Batool.

She visited Shakir Ali Museum with other artists and acknowledge the deteriorating condition of the building and requested the support of the Cultural Committee to facilitate PNCA in renovation and help rejuvenate creative activity in and around the museum. She said Minister for National History and Literary Heritage Dr. Shafaqat Mehmood was also committed to the proper renovation of the museum and had already asked experts for help.

She announced that a committee would develop plans for the purpose.

The committee comprises Ayesha Jataoi, Ayesha Irshad Shahnawaz, Salima Hashmi, Mustafa Jaffari, Sarwat Ali, Fouzia Qureshi, Saba Khan, Ghazala Rehman, Fareeda Batool, Nayyar Ali Dad and Shahid Mehmood Nadeem.

The DG said the PNCA office was in a rental building next to the museum and its staff takes care of the building and other creative activities that need a big boost.

"These venues must be more active and vibrant to attract art lovers and take care of the artists to get realize their dreams. The garden behind the Shakir Ali House could be used as a café, where artists can sit and exchange views on their experiences.