Inspiring artists of the future

By Mohammad Imran

RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Arts Council is the only arts institution catering to the talented youth of the Potohar region. Since its inception in 1975, the institution has honed the talents of hundreds of students.

The council offers 32 different courses related to arts and culture including painting and music. But this is not all. Courses on cooking are also a unique feature of this institute and reflect the variety of tastes and interests the council caters for.

While there maybe heated discussion on the clash of civilisation in other parts of the city, the country or even the world, this institute offers its students an ambiance that is a mix of eastern and western cultures; and offers courses in both western and eastern music. Students can take courses on playing the keyboard and tabla at the same time.

When students complete courses, which range from three month to one year, they are awarded diplomas and certificates. The courses are recognised throughout Pakistan. The institution has produced some very talented individuals, most notably the voice behind “billo de ghaar,” Ibrarul Haq.

“As many as 400 students are learning different arts at the Rawalpindi Arts Council,” Naheed Manzoor, resident director of the council said.

She said that it was very unfortunate that the institute had no art gallery where the arts council students could hold exhibitions. She said it had been proposed that an art gallery would be established at the institute but the proposal was sidelined despite the fact that the council had a piece of land available for the gallery.

“The unavailability of an art gallery prevents art lovers from seeing the work of the students at the council,” she said. The students are suffering as they miss out on the encouragement and inspiration that public appreciation can provide to an artist.

Another problem the Rawalpindi Arts Council is facing is that the auditorium of the council is still incomplete. More than 75 percent of the work on the auditorium has been completed but was then halted due to the shortage of funds.

Currently, only one auditorium, Liaqat Hall, is functional. If the council auditorium is completed, people living in the twin cities would be able to enjoy more arts-related activities and the students of the council will have another platform for exhibiting their work. Is anyone listening?

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