Artists, students, and community members gathered at Lok Virsa on Saturday for the dedication of a mural jointly designed and painted by American and Pakistani artists. The mural focuses on the beauty and culture of Pakistan’s people.
The American artists who contributed to the mural are associated with Words Beats and Life, a non-profit organization based in Washington, who uses the power of hip-hop culture to transform communities locally and globally. The US Embassy in Islamabad sponsored the artists’ travel and activities, which have been coordinated by the Kuch Khaas Centre for Arts, Culture and Dialogue.
“The people of Pakistan are its most precious resource. It has been our honour to learn from them and to be inspired by their hospitality, culture, and creativity,” said Words Beats and Life Executive Director Mazi Mutafa. “We were very inspired to create a piece of public art together with our Pakistani friends.”
The US Embassy Acting Minister Counselor for Public Affairs, Rob Raines spoke at the mural dedication ceremony and encouraged continued collaboration between the American and Pakistani artistic communities.
“This mural serves as a reminder that art crosses borders, it is a universal language that connects us and speaks to us regardless of our nationality,” Raines said. “This artwork will remind passersby for years to come of the great creativity sparked when Americans and Pakistanis exchanged ideas and worked together,” he added.
