The much-anticipated NCA Triennale 2025, titled Kasb-e-Kamal Kun, opened in Lahore in a ceremony that brought together a wide cross-section of creators and cultural leaders, including artists, designers, musicians, researchers, diplomats, faculty and students from Pakistan and overseas.
Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Federal Minister for Education, underlined the need to preserve Pakistan’s cultural heritage amid rapid modern change and noted how art connects communities across generations. 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,” and announced that a new NCA campus will open in Karachi later this year to expand arts education nationwide.
Prof. Dr. Murtaza Jafri, Vice Chancellor of the National College of Arts, framed the Triennale as part of NCA’s 150-year celebration, emphasising the institution’s role as a hub for creativity, cultural harmony and social development. He highlighted the college’s ongoing efforts to preserve archives while integrating modern technology to build a heritage resource for future generations.
The NCA Triennale features more than 200 national and international artists, with contributions from Europe, China, Iran, the United Kingdom and Palestine. The exhibition programme pairs visual showcases with live performances and international collaborations, reinforcing Lahore’s place on the regional arts map.
The opening included a range of artistic expressions, a musical performance by Ustad Hamid Ali Khan, a memorable tree plantation to mark the event, and a community dinner that brought participants together. The theme Kasb-e-Kamal Kun draws from NCA’s historic motto, “Kasb-e-Kamal Kun ke Aziz-e-Jahan Shavi,” meaning “Strive for excellence to become beloved of the world,” and reflects the Triennale’s emphasis on creativity and cultural diversity.
Participants praised NCA’s 150-year journey and described Triennale 2025 as a landmark in promoting Pakistani art and culture. Organisers say the NCA Triennale will continue to spotlight emerging talent and foster dialogue that links traditional practice with contemporary approaches across the region.
