Regular classes in visual and performing arts are resuming in Peshawar.

Young enthusiasts and art lovers turned up for registration. Senior poets, writers and artists said this was a welcome move and could promote a positive image of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Executive members of the Abasin Arts Council, a non-profit organisation, recently met in the city and decided to resume regular classes imparting education in fine arts including visual and performing arts, painting, music, literature and drama.

A syllabus has been developed for each of the fine arts. The students will get a certificate on graduation. The best graduates will also get cash prizes. A page has also been created for online learners where posts regarding council activities and related content will be available. Admission to most fine arts classes is free.

Veteran artist Abdur Rauf Rohaila chaired the launch meeting. Senior executive members including Prof Nasir Ali Syed, Prof Dr Nazeer Tabassum, Aziz Ejaz, Dr Shahida Sardar, Bushra Farrukh, Jahanzeb Malak, Anees-ur Rahman and Anwar Khan were present.

The council members said that the AAC was in dire need of Rs 50 million for the renovation of infrastructure including separate mini-auditoriums along with the required paraphernalia and Rs 30 million for hiring teachers and coaches.

Rights activists, literary enthusiasts and artists’ associations have welcomed the move by the AAC. Some of them have also stressed the need for early provision of funds.

Teenagers Kavin Haroon, Daud Zahid, Ashrif Naeem and Mohammad Abbas stole the show by playing traditional musical instruments including tabla, harmonium, rabab and flute. Their performance was followed by lectures on the disciplines of music, painting, drama and literature.

Senior artist Saeed Paras said he believed that Abasin Arts Council’s initiative would prove a milestone in the effort to revive artistic activities in the provincial capital.

Professor Nasir Ali Syed, a senior executive member of the council, told The News on Sunday that the resumption of fine arts classes was wonderful news for young art enthusiasts. “Over 20 students, girls as well as boys, have registered for each class,” he said.

The Abasin Arts Council was established in Peshawar in the early ‘60s. This was where senior artists, musicians and writers used to impart training to art lovers. Classes were available in painting, music, calligraphy, photography, drama and literature. The facility was available till the early ’80s when lack of funds and official patronage stalled the functioning of the council.

However, a few senior artists and writers kept up the tradition on a volunteer basis. They trained a large number of artists and folk singers. Numerous events and initiatives including awards ceremonies, seminars, workshops, poetry recitals, debates and celebrations of local and national days were organised by the council. Cash prizes were presented to artists and writers for their best work.

Abdur Ruaf Rohaila said that their aim at AAC was to portray a positive image of the province by promoting and preserving “the rich treasure of fine arts.” This, he said, was not possible without adequate funds. “I am hopeful that the provincial government and the other stakeholders will help us in our efforts to build a peace narrative,” he said.

In his opening remarks, Professor AR Anwar said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was home to rich linguistic and cultural diversity. “Around 50 candidates have turned up to learn the basics of folk music. This is a good sign. A syllabus has been developed for music classes. The first day was a great experience. The candidates came with beaming faces,” he said.

Mohammad Bilal, a young candidate, told TNS that he was a computer operator at the Lady Reading Hospital. He said he had been looking for just such an institution. “I got the opportunity to learn about the basics of harmonium playing. The skill will not only help me de-stress but also allow me to entertain the patients,” he said.

Rukhsana Sultan, a college student, said she wanted to learn painting. “My first experience was wonderful. My friend Zarka Ali Khattak was so moved, that she donated her small library. She was interested in knowing all about classics of Urdu, Pashto and Hindko in the light of contemporary trends,” said Sultan.

Arsalan Nadeem, a resident of Peshawar, said that he was happy at the resumption of classes. “I’m excited. These classes will enable me and five of my colleagues to learn more about performing on stage. I’ve always wanted to act but I had known nobody who could help me,” said Nadeem.

Musician Ustad Niaz Khan said that the young candidates were quite enthusiastic about learning. “Hopefully, the initiative will work out well,” said the musician.

The writer is a Peshawar-based journalist. He mostly writes on art, culture, education, youth and minorities. He tweets @Shinwar-9