Art influences society by changing opinions, instilling values and translating experiences across space and time....
music
Art influences society by changing opinions, instilling values and translating experiences across space and time. One can even say that it affects the fundamental sense of self. Painting, sculpture, music, literature and the other forms of arts are often considered to be the repository of a society’s collective memory. Art preserves what fact-based historical records cannot: how it felt to exist in a particular place at a particular time. And, as time passes by and different cultures come together, we see a glorious evolution of music that makes this era unique.
For their first show for 2019, singer and songwriter, Zoe Viccaji returned to Salt Arts after three long years with a power-packed performance followed by artists such as Ajay Wilson, Shane Kerr, Joshua Keyth Benjamin and Abid Wilson in Karachi. The show was a great success with record breaking attendance including celebrities and music enthusiasts. The concept of Salt Arts is to revive love for live music performances in Pakistan which has been welcomed by audiences with open arms.
Salt Arts is a music, art and entertainment agency, specialising in the creative production of live music and art events. Their role in the arts is to protect and nurture the introspective art-making space where our audiences can engage closely with the artists. Salt Arts is committed to enriching artists and subcultures via music, creative expression and technology, in Pakistan, South Asia and beyond. They trust in the power of interdisciplinary movement, and collective spirit, which is why collaboration reigns supreme here.
While Karachi is believed to be the hub of contemporary South Asian music, there is still a lot that can be done. In this day and age, appreciating art is not enough; one must acknowledge the efforts of the artist too in order to preserve the talent that we hold. One other thing that we need is more inclusivity, which is why, this year the Salt Arts team is led by women thus leading to the concept ‘future is female’. The team, who have onboard Chapter 2 as ‘art enablers’ and strong season partners, notes that this year their ethos, like every year, is on two things that will remain a part of the overall design: a) be more eco-friendly and b) collaborating with women musicians, artists, designers, writers and photographers to create a more gender-balanced creative community.
The role of women in the music industry has become an increasingly present topic as women from all walks of life and within all sectors continue to flourish in this male-saturated business, although there’s still a way to go. For now, let’s celebrate this positive progression, as well as spark a much-needed discussion about what else needs to change so that the industry can continue to move forward with men and women working together as equals.
— A. Jafri
