The Karachi Biennale 2024 concluded earlier this month with a grand closing ceremony held at the historic City Council Hall.

Themed Rizq/Risk, this year’s Biennale delved into the complexities of the contemporary food landscape. More than 40 artists from 10 countries presented a rich tapestry of interactive installations, performances, videos, and paintings. The theme, rooted in the urgent challenges posed by climate change in Pakistan, sparked profound reflections on food security, sustainable practices, and the lingering impacts of colonial food policies.

The event celebrated the Biennale’s success in integrating art with public spaces and fostering cultural dialogue. Sindh’s Culture Minister, Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, discussed upcoming cultural initiatives for Karachi, while Nilofur Farrukh, Managing Trustee of the Karachi Biennale Trust and CEO of the Karachi Biennale, expressed gratitude to Karachi’s citizens, especially the youth, for their enthusiastic participation. She also advocated for establishing a Karachi Contemporary Art Museum to honor the city’s vibrant creative talent and bolster its position on the global art map.

Several prestigious awards were presented during the event. The Performance Art Prize was awarded to the Swedish duo Lundahl and Seitl for their immersive and thought-provoking piece, which invited participants to embody the river. This evocative work was installed at NED University’s city campus. Another award recognized the “Artists of Gaza Live in Our Hearts” exhibition, which show-cased fabric-based works by Pakistani art students in solidarity with the people of Gaza.

Additionally, an honorable mention was given to the Visual Studies Department of Karachi University for their notable contributions.

The Biennale attracted thousands of visitors, including a large number of students. Other notable highlights included a multilingual Mushaira and a poignant spotlight on the indigenous Mahigeer community. The KB24 Reading Room offered visitors opportunities to hear readings by celebrated writers and poets, while a dedicated children’s space hosted various art-related activities to inspire the next generation.