Moalims

ISLAMABAD: An exhibition was held as a follow-up to a nationwide children’s arts competition where students of privileged and under privileged schools participated to raise funds for a cause.

Titled ‘2nd Art for Change’, the exhibit displayed works of children aged between four and 15. The event was held on Friday, and organised by Discovering New Artists in collaboration with Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA).

Dutch Ambassador Jeannette Seppen was the chief guest at the event. Speaking to The Express Tribune, she said she was delighted to attend the exhibition which displayed the works of young children.

“The work displayed in the exhibition is so expressive and brilliantly done. The colours just ooze energy and life, which is interesting to see. Art is a beautiful way to express one’s creativity and expressions and is crucial for general education of students. It is a fantastic tool to stimulate creative thinking and say what you think in a unique way,” she said.

Art for Change is an annual competition currently in its second phase. The theme of this year’s competition was ‘Create a New world of Colours’. More than 2,500 art entries were received from more than 15 cities and 100 schools across Pakistan this year. The winners were divided in six categories and 30 students were given cash prizes while trophies were distributed among different schools by the chief guests.

The works of the children displayed immense positivity and maturity with most paintings featuring bright colours that show the freedom of expression and the positive perspectives of students. A total cash prize pool of Rs180,000 was distributed among 30 winners in various denominations.

Winners belonged to Beaconhouse School System, The City School, Ace Academy, Indus School, TNS Beaconhouse, The Garage School, Ghani Grammar School, Sanjan Nagar Public Education Trust, Hope Uplift Foundation and House of Lights.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Mujtaba Zaidi, president and director of Discovering New Artists, said this is an initiative to raise funds to sponsor education of young children at different existing schools for the under privileged.

“Students of the privileged schools that participated in this exhibition paid a nominal fee of Rs300, which was used to provide art material to students in under privileged schools who also participated in this exhibition. The idea was to involve students from all backgrounds and unleash their creativity while also collecting funds for a greater cause,” he said.

He further said that this activity is aimed to provide opportunities to the students from under-resourced schools and to give them a chance to participate equally at a national level.

“This is also a way to create a bridge between the students from privileged and underprivileged backgrounds,” he added.

AkzoNobel Pakistan CEO Jehanzeb Khan had previously stated that Discovering New Artists and ICI share a common goal.

“Art and colour are two very understated elements of a happy and fulfilled society; people often forget the value of decorated living spaces in their lives,” he said.

He further said that ICI Dulux wants to stimulate renewal and positive change in people’s lives. “Discovering New Artists’ initiative promotes this same cause and we are looking forward to supporting similar initiatives by them in the future,” he said.

Members of the diplomatic corps, teachers, students and their parents attended the exhibition.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 28th, 2015.