Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi

The Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi (Urdu: آرٹس کونسل آف پاکستان کراچی), also known as ACPKHI, is the finest non-profit organization (NPO) in the country today when it comes to performing and fine arts. With state-of-the-art entertainment opportunities available for all segments of society, the Arts Council aims to promote peace and artistic professionalism through various events, theatre, dance, and music academies, literary conferences, creative endeavors, and competitive talent showcases. ^[1][2]

The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi is arguably the largest council made for the purpose of promoting arts and culture in Pakistan, and perhaps the busiest in terms of organizing events on a yearly basis. Given the kind of sociopolitical turn that the country has taken with reference to religious extremism, it makes the council all the more significant an institution to uphold and foster the traditions of the arts that aim to give society a balanced approach to life. It is the country's oldest and most famous NGO (non-government organization) that deals in promotion and development of arts and crafts in Pakistan.^[1][2][3]

In 1948, a group of art enthusiasts gathered and formed themselves into a society under the name of Karachi Fine Arts Society. It was first of its kind to promote and encourage arts and culture in Pakistan. It held exhibitions and promoted activities relating to theatre.

The funds of the society were contributed personally by the members themselves. They had no permanent building of their own. Their meetings were therefore held at the residences of the office bearers. Art exhibitions were held in rented space in private houses. Six years later in 1954, the Karachi Fine Arts Society was reorganized into a body called the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi. This organization was registered with the registrar of societies, Karachi, under Act XX1 of 1860. (The Registration Certificate was issued on 10 May 1955). After its formation, the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi stepped up activities in the field of arts and culture. It also has sponsored production of plays and musical programs - for example, it recently held a Musical Tribute Event in 2017 in honor of the late Bade Fateh Ali Khan (Pakistan's famous classical music singer) in its auditorium.^[4]

Karachi Arts Council has four academies of its own that help in fostering raw talent and developing them into real performers." These include:

It helps in teaching script-writing, directing, acting, cinematography, editing, and production management.

It helps in the teaching of violin playing, flute playing, dholak playing, vocals training, guitar playing and other classical instruments.

It helps in teaching and developing literature, floral art, architecture, interior designing, and sculpture.

Following are some facilities offered by the Arts Council of Pakistan for hosting events:

• Auditorium
• Open Air Theatre
• Permanent Art Gallery
• Library / Reading Room
• Audio / Visual Library
• Cultural Café

In 2005, Arts Council of Pakistan had over 4000 members and over 3000 eligible voters.^[5] Arts Council of Pakistan elections for office-holders were to be held on 18 December 2005.

On 18 December 2016, latest Arts Council of Pakistan elections were to be held for office-holders.^[6]

• National Academy of Performing Arts (Pakistan), also located nearby in Karachi

• Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi official website