ISLAMABAD, Dec 16 (APP): The Danish government in collaboration with the Danish Centre for Culture and Development (CKU) celebrated the diversity of culture in Pakistan while highlighting art and culture as a tool for socio economic change.
According to a press release of embassy of Denmark issued here Friday, the event which marked the official closing of the cultural cooperation between Denmark and Pakistan was held at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA).
The event highlighted the Danish experience with the power of art,
culture and creative industries through its development cooperation in Pakistan.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Ambassador of Denmark Ole Thonke underlined how art and culture enlighten, enrich and create a feeling of a common identity and understanding and help to create a more humane world by connecting people from across different countries and cultures.
He stressed on the importance of working together to build a free and fair world, where everyone enjoyed equal rights. Concluding his speech, Ambassador Thonke said Danish support to the cultural sector aimed to help Pakistan reclaim and revive public space and use its culture as a tool for promoting tolerance and peace.
He also saw it as an important way to revive the creative industries and create economic opportunities for the people of Pakistan. Although the program was now closing, the seeds had been sown and he hoped to see the local partners continue their great work in Pakistan.
The event included an exhibition of the work carried out by the local partners AHAN, Ajoka, The Little Art, BNU/LBF, Hashoo Foundation, Shirkatgah, Punjab University, Khawendo Kore, CWSA, CYAAD, Alhamra Arts Council, Olomopolo/KSS, UNESCO and Freemuse.
These 14 organisations and their local partners were working with art and culture in a social context with the aim to reduce poverty, support peace and stabilization as well as strengthening democratization, human rights and gender equality.
This was done by empowering people through active participation in art and culture, enhanced economic growth through support to creative industries, and promoting intercultural dialogue and intercultural collaboration.
CKU-Programme Manager Pakistan Ole Ramsing shared his views saying that Pakistan had a long and proud cultural tradition, but the privilege to partake in cultural activities was unevenly distributed.
Denmark celebrates Pakistan’s art, culture
