The “Art for Life – Art for Gaza” Artists Camp at SilkRoad Culture Center, launched on 30 April and running till 7 May 2025, is already living up to the heartfelt promise made at its curtain-raiser and press briefing on 23 April: “When words fail, art speaks.”
From day one, the camp has brought together diplomats, cultural envoys, corporate and development sector representatives, students, civil society voices, and many more — all uniting for Gaza through art and dialogue.
One of the early defining moments was the Discourse on Gaza, held on the second day and live-streamed to audiences far and wide. The panel was a powerhouse of perspective, emotion, and insight.
• Mushahid Hussain Syed, former Senator, spoke with political depth and historic context.
• Harris Khalique, poet and civil society leader, brought the poignancy of poetry into sharp focus with activism.
• Ammaar Masood, son of the legendary Anwar Masood, lent wit and powerful critique to the mix, engaging hearts and minds alike.
• Arieb Azhar, cultural torchbearer, musician and founder of Laahooti Mela, added a soulful dimension, tying together tradition, resistance, and expression.
Their collective message was clear: art is not a luxury in times of catastrophe — it is a lifeline, a record, and sometimes, a rebellion.
Another high point has been the screening of “No Other Land” — a gripping Oscar-winning documentary co-created by two friends: a Palestinian and an Israeli. The film’s raw honesty and unfiltered portrayal of the land and its people struck a deep chord. It was not just viewed — it was felt. A must watch by all measures.
Reminding starkly that life and culture endure even in times of sorrow, the celebrations of Pohela Boishakh in the SRCC Auditorium and tea garden brought color and life, while a dedicated seminar on World IP Day saw refelctions on the value of ownership in storytelling, underlining the relevance of rights and recognition in the creative world — especially in conflict-affected narratives.
The mushaira, a poetic symposium deeply praised in media and public, gave voice to emotions too raw for prose.
In the background, throughout, the workshops have remained abuzz with immersive experiences. Artists of all generations and genres — from very young to lifetime achievers — are pouring their feelings onto canvases, clay, soundscapes and installations. The fusion of Palestinian and Pakistani expressions seem to have given birth to some truly unique creations – every corner tells a story.
A good number of celebrated artists are seen totally emersed within the Camp grounds, the likes of Ustaad Bashir Ahmed, Khanzada Asfanyar Khattak, Atif Ayyub Abbasi, Sujjal Kiyani, Mehdi Raza, ArtFreak, Qasim Khan, Amna Shah, Hassan Shoaib Jaan.
There are submissions too from Amna Patton, Dr Rahat Masood, Peter Bassian, and the list goes on. There are also beautiful submissions from Amna Pattodi, Dr. Rahat Masood, Peter Bussian, Sumera Jawad, Dost, and others — each adding depth and diversity.
Looking ahead, a full-dress rehearsal on 5 May, 2025 will bring everyone together for a “media night” — a preview of what stays and what will be remembered.
With 7 May, 2025 set for a graceful finale and charity proceeds for Gaza, this camp is proving one thing for sure: art is not just expression — it’s action, solidarity, and hope.
One-paragraph blurb version for print or web:
The “Art for Life – Art for Gaza” Artists Camp at SilkRoad Culture Center (30 April–7 May 2025) is powerfully living up to its promise: when words fail, art speaks. With participation from diplomats, cultural voices, students, and civil society, the camp has offered moving moments — from a compelling Discourse on Gaza featuring Mushahid Hussain, Harris Khalique, Ammaar Masood, and Arieb Azhar, to the emotional screening of No Other Land, an Oscar-winning documentary. Celebrations of Pohela Boishakh, World IP Day, and a warmly received mushaira have added depth. Workshops buzz with creativity and reflection, showcasing artists like Ustaad Bashir Ahmed, Sujjal Kiyani, ArtFreak, Mehdi Raza, and many more, including powerful contributions from Amna Pattodi, Peter Bussian, and Sumera Jawad. With a grand rehearsal on 5 May and a meaningful finale on 7 May, this camp is turning artistic expression into collective healing and solidarity with Gaza.
Tailored for social media — concise, engaging, and emotionally resonant:
Through Art that Speaks.
The Art for Life – Art for Gaza Artists Camp at SilkRoad Culture Center (30 Apr–7 May, 2025) is a powerful space of creativity, compassion & solidarity. From moving talks and the Oscar-winning Documentary “No Other Land” screening, to poetic nights, cultural fusions & vibrant workshops — artists, diplomats & civil voices unite for Gaza. The finale on 7 May promises art, impact, and charity.
