Asian Study Group opens 2026-27 cultural season in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: The Asian Study Group (ASG) has launched its 2026-27 cultural programme in Islamabad with a special event celebrating contemporary Pakistani art and the country’s rich artistic heritage. The opening event brought together diplomats, art enthusiasts, members of the local community and other guests to explore the changing landscape of art in Pakistan.

The event marked the beginning of a new cultural season featuring opportunities for learning, discussion and the exchange of ideas. Through its programme, the Asian Study Group aims to introduce audiences to different aspects of culture, history and creativity while encouraging a deeper understanding of artistic expression.

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, who serves as the patron of the Asian Study Group, welcomed the guests and highlighted the importance of Pakistan’s artistic traditions. She noted that the country’s cultural heritage offers a wide range of perspectives and creative influences that continue to inspire artists today.

Marriott said contemporary art provides an interesting way to understand how artists explore identity, culture, tradition and change. She also expressed her pleasure at opening the organisation’s 2026-27 programme with an event dedicated to Pakistani creativity.

She highlighted the value of cultural exchange and discovery, describing these as important elements of the Asian Study Group’s activities. The event provided an opportunity for attendees to appreciate the diversity of Pakistan’s artistic community and learn about the ideas shaping contemporary creative work.

The main attraction of the programme was a multimedia presentation titled “A Window into Contemporary Pakistani Art,” delivered by Dr Arjumand Faisel. His presentation captured the audience’s attention by offering a visual exploration of the ideas, themes and concerns influencing the country’s modern art scene.

The presentation took guests on a journey through the work of approximately 50 contemporary Pakistani artists. It examined how artists use different styles, techniques and creative approaches to communicate their understanding of society and the world around them.

The selected artworks reflected a broad range of subjects, including personal and national identity, cultural values, social realities, traditional influences and the changes taking place in modern society. Through these examples, the audience gained an insight into the different ways artists interpret their surroundings and express their thoughts through visual art.

The presentation also highlighted the relationship between Pakistan’s artistic heritage and contemporary creative practices. While traditional influences remain important, modern artists continue to experiment with ideas and methods that reflect changing social conditions and evolving cultural perspectives.

By bringing together the work of artists with diverse approaches, the presentation demonstrated that contemporary Pakistani art is not limited to a single style or viewpoint. Instead, it represents a dynamic field in which individual experiences, collective memories and wider social developments come together.

Dr Arjumand Faisel, a medical doctor by profession, has developed a strong interest in the visual arts through his close interaction with some of Pakistan’s leading painters. These experiences have helped deepen his appreciation of artistic expression and strengthened his involvement in the country’s art community.

His engagement with artists has also provided him with opportunities to explore the stories, ideas and creative processes behind their work. Through his presentation, he shared this interest with the Islamabad audience, encouraging attendees to look beyond the visual appearance of artworks and consider the meanings and experiences they represent.

The event offered an engaging introduction to the contemporary art scene for people with different levels of knowledge and interest in the subject. It also underlined the role of cultural gatherings in creating spaces where people can exchange perspectives, discover new ideas and develop a greater appreciation of artistic diversity.

With the launch of its 2026-27 programme, the Asian Study Group has begun another season of cultural engagement in Islamabad.