#KasbeKamalKun
The National College of Arts, Lahore, inaugurated the much anticipated NCA Triennale 2025: “Kasb-e-Kamal Kun” in a grand ceremony. The event brought together a distinguished gathering of artists, designers, musicians, researchers, diplomats, cultural experts, faculty members, and students from across Pakistan and abroad.
Addressing the ceremony, Federal Minister for Education, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui emphasised the importance of preserving Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage despite the challenges of the modern world. He remarked, “From ‘Kasb-e-Hilal’ to ‘Kasb-e-Kamal Kun’, every piece of art tells its own story; these creations symbolise creativity and the remarkable cultural legacy of the subcontinent.” The minister also announced the establishment of a new NCA campus in Karachi later this year to promote arts and culture education across the country.
Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Murtaza Jafri, in his address, stated that the Triennale marks part of the celebration of NCA’s 150 years of excellence. He highlighted that NCA has always been a center of creativity, art, and cultural harmony, aiming to foster peace and social development through artistic expression.
Dr. Jafri further noted that the institution is building a unique legacy by preserving its valuable archives and integrating modern technology; a heritage that will serve as a cultural asset for future generations. This year’s Triennale features over 200 national and international artists from countries including Europe, China, Iran, the United Kingdom, and Palestine.
The opening ceremony included artistic performances, visual art exhibitions, and international art showcases, musical performance by Ustad Hamid Ali Khan, memorable tree plantation, followed by a dinner. The theme “Kasb-e-Kamal Kun” draws inspiration from NCA’s historic motto, “Kasb-e-Kamal Kun ke Aziz-e-Jahan Shavi” — “Strive for excellence to become beloved of the world” — reflecting the spirit of creativity, fine arts, and cultural diversity.
Participants lauded NCA’s 150-year journey and hailed Triennale 2025 as a significant milestone in the promotion of art and culture in Pakistan.
Curatorial Statement,
Kasb-e-Kamal Kun
Between the
anywhen of time and the anywhere of place
a missing piece is to be drawn.
Poetry lacks definition, so –
the hand crafts its own poetry
leaving its verse behind
in a minutia of traces.
I am no more cognitive – and
my hand is path, trajectory, flight,
a settled motion,
precision of the tool.
Hinging onto another, I am the fragment that
fulfils the existence of the matrix of the rest.
I am the missing piece.
Prof. Dr. Murtaza Jafri
Vice Chancellor