The National College of Arts in Lahore inaugurated the NCA Triennale 2025 themed Kasb-e-Kamal Kun in a grand ceremony attended by artists, designers, musicians, researchers, diplomats, cultural experts, faculty and students from across Pakistan and abroad.
Federal Minister for Education Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui addressed the gathering and stressed the need to preserve Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage amid modern challenges. He remarked ‘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’ and announced that a new NCA campus will open in Karachi later this year to broaden arts and culture education nationwide.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Murtaza Jafri said the Triennale forms part of celebrations marking NCA’s 150 years of excellence and highlighted the college’s role as a centre of creativity, art and cultural harmony. He noted that NCA is building a unique legacy by preserving valuable archives while integrating modern technology, creating a heritage resource for future generations.
The NCA Triennale brings together more than 200 national and international artists, with contributions from Europe, China, Iran, the United Kingdom and Palestine. The opening programme featured visual art exhibitions, international showcases and live artistic performances, including a musical presentation by Ustad Hamid Ali Khan, a memorable tree plantation and a reception dinner that brought together local and visiting cultural practitioners.
The theme Kasb-e-Kamal Kun draws from NCA’s historic motto Kasb-e-Kamal Kun ke Aziz-e-Jahan Shavi — ‘Strive for excellence to become beloved of the world’ — and reflects the event’s focus on creativity, fine arts and cultural diversity. Participants lauded NCA’s 150-year journey and hailed this Triennale as a significant milestone in promoting art and culture across Pakistan, with the new Karachi campus expected to extend that reach.
