Latest news with #Art
Express Tribune
a day ago
- General
- Express Tribune
Ganweriwala excavation halts unexpectedly
Listen to article The excavation and research work at Ganweriwala, a 5,000-year-old lost city located in the Cholistan Desert, has been suspended for several months due to a lack of funding. Archaeology experts lament that due to government inaction, Pakistan is missing a crucial opportunity to showcase an important site from the Indus Valley Civilization on a global platform. Renowned archaeologist Dr Muhammad Rafique Mughal first discovered Ganweriwala in 1975. Experts believe this ancient site was the third-largest urban centre, after Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, located approximately 60 kilometres southwest of Qila Derawar. A team of former directors and experts from various institutions across Punjab commenced excavation on February 24, 2024, under the leadership of Dr Sajida Haider Vandal, Chairperson of the Trust for History, Art, and Architecture of Punjab Foundation. Despite the harsh desert climate, the team worked tirelessly, engaging prominent Pakistani experts, including Dr Rafique Mughal, in this national project. The excavation unearthed pottery, brick walls, terracotta figurines, copper seals, and other artefacts at various sites, bearing striking similarities to the Indus Valley Civilization. Dr Mughal confirmed that these findings attest to Ganweriwala's antiquity and significance. Former Director of Archaeology, Afzal Khan, revealed that over 60 labourers were employed, a tent city was established, and six excavation sites were explored. However, the project slowed down in late March due to extreme heat and labour shortages. Despite submitting detailed expenses to the Commissioner's office in Bahawalpur, funds were withheld due to alleged objections. 'The government had approved Rs20 million for the project, which was to be disbursed through the Commissioner Bahawalpur, but the team has yet to receive a single rupee. The second phase of excavation, scheduled to begin in October 2024, has been put on hold due to a lack of funding," said Dr Vandal. Seconding Dr Vandal, Khan added that the funds lapsed on June 30, 2024, as the fiscal year concluded. Experts worldwide are now inquiring about the discoveries, but the team is unable to provide answers. Muhammad Hassan, former Director of Punjab Archaeology, highlighted the site's significance, noting that Ganweriwala is the most prominent among nearly 500 archaeological sites in Cholistan. The area was once inhabited by people who practiced agriculture and cattle rearing along the banks of the Hakra River. Meanwhile, Bahawalpur Commissioner Musarrat Jabeen confirmed that no funds were released to the team. 'As per the agreement, all artefacts were to be sent for international analysis and then handed over to the Bahawalpur Museum. However, the team allegedly shifted the findings to Lahore and has not submitted any lab reports so far,' noted Jabeen. Experts argue that the government should facilitate, rather than hinder, international-standard research, enabling Pakistan's rich cultural heritage to be preserved and showcased globally.
News18
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Teej Mahotsav concludes with focus on culture, women empowerment
New Delhi, Jul 27 (PTI) The Teej Mahotsav 2025, a three-day celebration of tradition, women's empowerment and cultural heritage, concluded on Sunday at Dilli Haat, Pitampura. Organised by the Delhi government, the festival witnessed enthusiastic participation from across the city and beyond, transforming the venue into a hub of music, crafts, food and community engagement, a statement said. Held from July 25 to 27, the event featured over 100 stalls showcasing handicrafts, regional delicacies, cultural art forms and interactive activities such as rangoli-making, slogan writing and quiz competitions, it said. A dedicated children's zone, selfie points, swings and free mehendi services added to the festive atmosphere, it added. Women Members of Parliament from Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Delhi took part in the event. Mallika Nadda was also among the attendees, the statement said. Speaking at the closing ceremony, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta described Teej as a reflection of cultural awareness and women's collective identity. 'The presence of my sisters enhances the beauty of every event. The large turnout shows how deeply connected women are to the spirit of Teej," she said. Minister for Art, Culture, Language and Tourism Kapil Mishra said the event was organised free of cost to promote women-led entrepreneurship and provide a platform for local talent. 'Teej Mahotsav is an important step towards positioning Delhi as the cultural capital of the country," he said. PTI SHB HIG HIG (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: July 27, 2025, 22:30 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Kerry hotel to host works by Andy Warhol and Salvador Dalí in upcoming art and sculptures exhibition
The exhibition, courtesy of Irish gallery Gormleys, will see the lodge and its 300-acre estate provide the backdrop for a selection of sculptures and artworks. Artworks by Warhol, Dali and Patrick Rubenstein will be complimented by a collection of life-size outdoor sculptures that will be positioned around the lodge's grounds between the Sheen River and the scenic mountains of Kenmare Bay. Oliver Gormley said the upcoming display of art at Sheen Falls will mark the first time that Gormleys Gallery will host an exhibition in Kerry. It will follow in the footsteps of 'Art and Soul', one of Ireland's biggest art and sculpture events, which is held at Castlemartyr Resort in Cor, The K Club in Kildare and Culloden Estate in Belfast. 'One of Ireland's most acclaimed artists—and proud Kerry native — Liam O'Neill will debut a brand-new collection of sculptures, adding a special local dimension to the exhibition,' Mr Gormley said. 'Inside the hotel, guests can admire iconic pieces by global icons, including Warhol, Dali and Rubinstein, alongside an array of celebrated Irish artists.' Sheen Falls general manager, Brian Loughnane, said the exhibition will create an 'unforgettable cultural experience for guests and visitors'. The free exhibition will officially open on Sunday, September 14 at 4pm and run until Sunday, October 12. The display will open daily to the public from 11am to 7pm, but will be closed on certain days to accommodate private events. An 'Art Appreciation Dinner' with live entertainment will be held at Sheen Falls as part of the exhibition on Tuesday, September 16. ADVERTISEMENT Guests will get a guided tour of the exhibition and a conversation with featured artists Liam O'Neill, John Redmond and Jenny Belton before they are seated for a refined three-course dinner with paired wines, designed by the hotel's executive chef Mark Treacy. Reservations for the Art Appreciation Dinner can be made by calling Sheen Falls Lodge directly on 064 664 1600. For more information and to confirm opening dates of the upcoming exhibition, visit or
Leaders
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Leaders
CDF Explores Culture's Power to Inspire, Educate at Expo 2025 Osaka
The Cultural Development Fund (CDF) has held a dialogue session during its participation in Saudi Arabia's pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Titled 'The Art of Play: Integrating Culture into Learning Environments,' the session brough together various Saudi cultural institutions backed by the fund to highlight culture's power to inspire and educate. Thus, the event delved into the pivotal role of culture and artificial intelligence technologies in supporting learning. Held as part of the Learning and Play Week at Expo 2025 Osaka, the session highlighted how culture strengthens knowledge, promotes its exchange, and serves as a source of inspiration. Moreover, it noted the vital role of cultural institutions in elevating quality of life and enriching communities. Therefore, it perfectly aligned with the fund's broader effort to empower cultural entrepreneurs and showcase their innovative projects on a global stage. Interestingly, the session provided Cultural Fund beneficiaries with a global platform to present their success stories as part of the Fund's ongoing empowerment journey. Overall, the fund's presence at Expo 2025 Osaka mirrors its dedication to highlighting the Kingdom's authentic cultural identity and its transformative journey in line with Saudi Vision 2030. Cultural Exchange Program The Saudi Pavilion has recently unveiled its cultural exchange program amid a growing number of visitors that surpassed a million since its inauguration in April. Through an interactive module, the program will provide visiting international staff with a comprehensive on-site induction training on Saudi culture. The training features significant topics related to occupational health and safety, an overview of the pavilion's operational objectives, as well as specialized site-specific training, such as visitor experience management. The pavilion, designed by Foster + Partners, features the Kingdom's unparalleled heritage and cultural aspects. Being the second largest pavilion after Japan, the Saudi pavilion boasts more than 700 events, including dance shows and live performances. Through interactive events, the pavilion highlights the Kingdom's transformative journey and its technological breakthroughs in line with Vision 2030. Related Topics: Culture Minister Inaugurates Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka Saudi Arabia Launches Culture Week at Expo 2025 Osaka Saudi Pavilion Welcomes 1 mln Visitors at Expo 2025 Osaka Short link : Post Views: 8
CBS News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
"Cardboard Genius" Kambel Smith creating a new sculpture in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park
Kambel Smith's nickname should ring a bell: The Cardboard Genius. He's the local artist who creates cardboard sculptures of famous landmarks just by looking at pictures of them. Now, he's bringing his talent to Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse in East Fairmount Park. Smith will create a new sculpture at Smith Memorial on Thursday as part of its Boxopolis program. Visitors are encouraged to watch Kambel work and get in on the action by making their own creations out of cardboard boxes. "I like to be focused," Kambel says while working on his latest project. "And I like to be patient." It's a scene his neighbors know well, as Kambel quietly and painstakingly creates in his front yard. "Trying to make sure the details are tight," he adds. Those who don't know him often stop to marvel, learning his sculptures are made mostly from cardboard and completely through sight alone. Kambel wrapped up his latest exhibit in Germantown in June. The display was aptly dubbed "Cardboard Genius." While his genius is clear now, Kambel's father Lonnie says Kambel's talent was hidden at first. Kambel was diagnosed with autism as a child. Once he found art, Lonnie says his son's autism became a superpower. "Unknowingly, what he's done here, though, it's powerful," Lonnie says. Kambel's journey has become an inspiration nationwide. His story on CBS News Philadelphia was viewed more than a million times on social media, and tens of thousands are showing their admiration and support, including Philly's own Questlove and former Eagle Terrell Owens. "When he hears that people are interested in his projects, it just motivates him to move faster," Lonnie says. One of his next creations is the Marcy Houses, the place where Jay-Z grew up in Brooklyn. Lonnie says Roc Nation recently reached out to show Kambel support, and that inspired the artist. Lonnie is never far from Kambel's side. Many online are also praising Lonnie for creating a safe space for his son to thrive. "It's not a big deal," Lonnie says, laughing. "It's just what I do because I love him." Kambel will take part in Smith Memorial's Boxopolis Playstallation on Thursday, July 24. Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Kambel will start creating his piece at 1:30 p.m. It's free and open to the public. Smith's Boxopolis Playstallation runs through September.
