Festivals

Creative Karachi Festival | A ‘Non-Stop Party In The Park’

Written by: Syed Ali Arshad

Imagine a space with beautiful gardens, a library and a café. As if it’s not dreamy enough, envision within this same microcosm all of those elements that instil beauty and meaning in life: the converging dialogues of music, poetry, culture, film, photography, discourse and activism, all co-existing in a magical interdependence. You don’t actually need your imagination for this… All of it’s happening right here in your city, this weekend on the 30th and 31st August 2019, at the space called Alliance Francaise de Karachi. 

So you’re intrigued and you want to know more

“Creative Karachi Festival” – famously dubbed as ‘non-stop party in the park’ – celebrates interdisciplinary arts and creativity, transformed into a weekend ‘mela’. It is organized by T2F and was the brainchild of their esteemed founder, Sabeen Mahmud. Going to be held this weekend on Friday and Saturday, this festival continues standing for values and visions that the founder had embodied. and dialogue.

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CKF takes forward T2F’s vision of enacting positive transformative change through art, creativity and dialogue. In a nutshell, the two day festival promises to transform our tiny corner of the megalopolis of Karachi into a buzzing wonderland of music, art, food, creativity and fun through an exceptional line-up of visual artists, contemporary and traditional craftsmen, performers, writers, poets, dancers, film and documentary makers, qavvaals and musicians, comedians and storytellers and a unique outdoor eating experience with communal tables, food demos, and tastings!

Now let us look at the ingredients needed to make a great day out (specially if its a weekend when one needs to unwind from the week-long hustle). You need entertainment, food, and a cause to convince yourself that your activity is worth your time. You also need convenience so you can enjoy with ease. Keeping this in mind, I’m going to tell you how Creative Karachi Festival (CKF) has planned to make this festival a great day out for you, your friends, and your family.

What’s in for entertainment?

First of all, there are just so many options to enjoy quality music at CFK. Featured local artists will deliver vocal performances, emerging and popular bands like Kashmir and Tamasha and Darvesh will also have their sets prepared. If you want to dance your worries away, a great many DJs like DJ Saulat and Tollcrane will be there to make this wish happen. And of course, if this is a South Asian celebration of music, one cannot forget classic folk Qawwali, which will be sung by Ghayoor Moiz Mustafa on the first day and Subhan Ahmed Nizami on the second day.

Secondly, it wouldn’t be called Creative Karachi Festival if it doesn’t entice interests of fellow creatives and artists of the city. The festival will offer many art installations, and there is a dedicated venue, the Art Corner, where art activities will be carried out all day long. CKF’s featured installation will be “Karachi Ke Nazaaray”, a group exhibition showcasing works of various artists from Karachi. Each artist, through various mediums, express diverse perspectives, narrations and interactions with the city and its environment. The exhibition will be up all day at the Art lane and Art Gallery.

Thirdly, there is a fantastic line up for dance and drama performances. Actor and dancer Sohaee Abro will be performing “Dance with your soul” at the courtyard, and there will also classical ‘kathak’ performances, among other dance performance. Shows like the theatre play “Badtameez”, traditional “Dastaan goi” story-telling performance, and T2F’s popular “Drum Circles” will guarantee a great time for one and all attending the festival.

Fourthly, if you’re an aspiring filmmaker or just any one who appreciates independent and locally produced film, CFK will be screening 22 feature length films on both days of the event to feast your eyes on. You can swipe through the following posts from the CKF’s official instagram handle to access the names, posters, log-lines and timings for each film that is to be displayed at the venue.

Here’s the map of the festival venue:
See the complete breakdown of all the events and activities for both of the days here:
What will there be to feast on?

You will find a good variety of food and drink kiosks at the venue. Be it continental cuisine, fast food or something just desi, CFK has got it covered. If you’re craving delicious homemade food, there will be a good number of stalls to buy from.

Don’t forget to bring cash on you, because we know that, foodie or otherwise, eating out is essential for a good day out.

Will it be convenient enough to be able to enjoy a two-day event in Karachi?

At times, attending events in Karachi can be pricey affair. That is why the entry fees for the festival that offers a huge range of activities, has been kept at just 500 rupees – so that students and families can attend easily.

We also know how difficult it can get to find affordable conveyance in the city. CFK has hence partnered with Careem and promo-codes for this festival will make it more convenient to come at the venue. If you are coming in your car, you do not need to worry about parking either. Valet Parking has got you covered.

As for the venue, dedicated picnic spots in the garden area will help you to take break, rest and reflect, as the day proceeds with multiple activities. Garden area is also the place you can get food and do some shopping at the bazaar set up.

Okay then, how will I be contributing to the good cause that T2F works for?

Since 2014 when Creative Karachi Festival was pioneered, it has become the save-the-date event every year, not just for the visitors but also the local talents who have collaborated with the organizers. As the organizer from the previous cycle, Marvi Mazhar also comments, the festival falls in favor of new talent, so artists, singers, writers, performers and kitchen-masters line up to showcase their talent in the festival. So, to show up, to come and see what they have prepared for us, is a great way to support our young talented citizens.

A lot of the content presented in the Creative Karachi Festival also helps us as a community to challenge our perspectives, grow a civic consciousness and not just critique the status quo, but be motivated to drive a sustainable change from our own level. The dance performances, the films, art exhibitions, panel talks and literary discussions subtly or directly address social, political and economic issues as faced by our fellow citizens of Karachi.

T2F is a non-profit community-based initiative and the proceeds from the price you pay for ticket will help support their overall cause and support promotion of art and culture in Pakistan. So join CFK in celebrating culture and life; and strengthening our collective vision of a creatively conscious city and an inclusive, sustainable and prosperous society.

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