The latest scandal at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) was caused by an exhibition which was deemed contrary to its mandate. The two day exhibition showcased the work of a group of interior designers, and was held in collaboration with the Pakistan Institute of Interior Designers (PIID). It took place at Gallery six of the National Art Gallery and was titled ‘Spaces’.A PNCA official said that the exhibition was better suited at Lok Virsa which operated under a mandate that accommodated such activities.
According to the official, PNCA was structured into two major divisions: the Visual Arts Division and the Performing Arts Division. “The Council focuses on four key strategic points overall, nurturing and developing the arts, stimulating a broader and more sophisticated demand from audiences, developing capacity and resources, and facilitating the internationalisation and enhancement of global connectivity,” the official explained to Pakistan Today. He added that the contents of the current exhibition might be considered as visual art but they should have been displayed at Lok Virsa.
When asked why PNCA higher officials allowed this furniture exhibition if it was felt to clash with its mandate, the official replied that PIID officials had contacted the Visual Arts Division Director, Musarrat Naheed Imam, who might have given them the green signal without consulting other officials. He recalled, “In May 2009, PNCA had held another furniture exhibition which was considered to be in conflict with its mandate. A few officials had wanted to bar the exhibition but the artist had contacted influential political figures and PNCA had to allow it.” The Lok Virsa Deputy Director, Anwaar-ul-Haq, said that though furniture display fell within the mandate of Lok Virsa, PNCA had ‘not Mandate Matters: Interior design exhibition at PNCA sparks controversycontacted Lok Virsa administration’ in this regard.
Imam, however, maintained that the exhibition was a positive initiative on part of the professionals of PIID, who were improving the quality of their work. When asked whether this exhibition defied the mandate of PNCA, she categorically stated that it didn’t, and pointed towards the fact that the students of PIID were from the same institution from where other youngsters who excel in performing and visual art pass out every year. “We (PNCA) have to promote the expertise of these young interior designers who are now qualified in this art. PNCA should hold more such exhibitions, if it fulfils the criteria of the Council,” Imam said, adding that interior designing is a powerful and multi-faceted art form which could change people’s lives.
ART LOVERS FLOCK PNCA: A large number of visitors, including members of Pakistan’s Interior Architecture & Design community flocked over to the PNCA for the opening of the exhibition which was this year’s most anticipated interior design event.
The exhibition was a moving road-show wherein the works of PIID interior design professionals were being showcased amidst other exciting trade-specific attractions, such as seminars, profession-specific discussions, and industry networking opportunities. Other companies and individuals whose work was displayed in the exhibition included Kamran Sheikh, Danish Zuby ASA (Pvt.) Ltd, Impact Design International, SR Design Works, Archworks, MJ & Associates, Sohail & Fawad, CITE, Saeed Akhtar Studio, Architects Inc, and Arcadia. Talking to Pakistan Today, PIID Media Coordinator Sofia Khan stated that the core objective of this two day exhibition is to raise awareness and promote interior designing in Pakistan. Khan said that the exhibition was aptly titled as ‘Spaces’. The General Secretary of PIID, Usman S Khan said, “PIID has made a long journey and has much to offer to interior designers. As newly elected office bearers, the onus is upon us to make all the difference we can during our tenure. So next we are planning to turn PIID into a ‘professional association’ by reaching out to interior designing professionals nationwide. Some other challenges in the pipeline for us this year include increasing membership, raising funds and working with legislative bodies to bring about positive changes in the interior design landscape in Pakistan.” The exhibition concluded on Saturday at Gallery six of PNCA.
