The National College of Arts in Lahore inaugurated the NCA Triennale 2025, bringing together a distinguished mix of artists, designers, musicians, researchers, diplomats, cultural experts, faculty and students from Pakistan and abroad. The NCA Triennale opened with a programme of visual art displays and international showcases that underscore the institution’s role in promoting creative practice across the region.
Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Federal Minister for Education, addressed the gathering and underlined the importance of safeguarding Pakistan’s cultural heritage in a changing world. He said, “From ‘Kasb-e-Hilal’ to ‘Kasb-e-Kamal Kun’, every piece of art tells its own story; these creations symbolise creativity and the remarkable cultural legacy of the subcontinent.” The minister also announced plans for a new NCA campus in Karachi later this year to expand arts and culture education nationwide.
Prof. Dr. Murtaza Jafri, Vice Chancellor of NCA, said the Triennale forms part of festivities marking the college’s 150 years of service to arts and culture. He highlighted that NCA has long been a centre for creativity and cultural harmony and emphasised the institution’s efforts to preserve archives and integrate modern technology into teaching and heritage projects to benefit future generations.
The NCA Triennale features work by more than 200 national and international artists representing countries including Europe, China, Iran, the United Kingdom and Palestine. The opening included artistic performances and an international art showcase, a musical performance by Ustad Hamid Ali Khan, a ceremonial tree plantation and a dinner for participants and guests. The event theme draws on NCA’s historic motto Kasb-e-Kamal Kun ke Aziz-e-Jahan Shavi — “Strive for excellence to become beloved of the world” — reflecting a commitment to fine arts and cultural diversity.
Participants praised NCA’s 150-year journey and hailed the NCA Triennale as an important milestone for the arts in Pakistan, noting that the exhibition and related programmes will strengthen cultural exchange and support the next generation of artists across the country.
