KARACHI: The three-day Arts Alumni Festival and an art exhibition, organised by the Arts Council of Pakistan on the council`s premises, concluded on Sunday night.

More than three dozen exhibits are on display at the Ahmed Pervez Gallery. The art exhibits are made by two students from the textile design department (2021-2023), three from the fine art department (2020), one fine art student from the year 2005, three of the fine art department from the year 2022 and 29 fine art students (2023). Apart from that, three artworks made be graphic design students (2023) are also on view.

As can be gauged from the quantity of the pieces, the works highlight important subjects, ranging from personal dilemmas to societal shortcomings. The most striking aspect of some of the exhibits is the maturity that they exude in terms of technique, making it hard to believe that they`re made by youngsters.

On the last day of the festival, a performance of Tennessee Williams` acclaimed play TheGlass Menagerie captivated the audience.

Renowned TV director, producer, and actor Khalid Ahmed conducted a voice workshop covering public speaking, acting, teaching, and hosting.

The festival also paid tribute to the golden era of Pakistani cinema through dance. Dance Academy head Mani Chao, along with students, presented a unique dance interpretation of the ancient civilisation of Mohenjo-Daro.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmed Shah expressed immense pride in the enthusiastic participation of the younger generation.

`The energy and passion of our youth over these three days was truly inspiring. I am proud to say that the students of our academies have now become experts in their respective fields, he said.

He also addressed past resistance to dance as a legitimate art form. `Ten years ago, we launched Pakistan`s first open dance festival.

People were fearful. No institution dared promote dance. But dance is a complete art form, and I am not promoting obscenity. Don`t people have the right to be happy? Why impose restric-tions on joy?` he asked.

The festival concluded with a `Qawwali Fusion` in which the Jambros Band, along with fellow musicians, added colour to the festival.