Many thanks to Laila Odho, director and art consultant at Saturday Studio, for allowing me to be part of the Saturday Studio Workshops at the Creative Karachi Festival--a fun-filled event organized by The Second Floor that took place at the Alliance Françoise in Karachi, Pakistan.

Alliance Française de Karachi is a non-profit organization constituted in accordance with the statutory and goals of the Alliance Française de Paris, founded in 1883, today the Foundation Alliance Française. It is part of a network of more than 800 organizations active in 134 countries worldwide. Through the diversity of the exchanges it creates, the network allows each Alliance to be active in the fields of language teaching and cultural and artistic activities.

T2F, formerly known as The Second Floor, is PeaceNiche’s flagship initiative. A social entrepreneurship project that blends the best of business practice with the non-profit urge to make meaning, T2F is committed to social change through the liberal arts, creative expression, and open dialogue. Since its inception in May 2007, T2F has hosted hundreds of events, ranging from poetry readings and film screenings to vibrant debates on critical issues. With the support and participation of musicians, artists, writers, filmmakers, scientists, comedians, thought leaders, and engaged audiences, T2F has contributed to revitalizing Karachi’s cultural landscape and has provided an alternative, independent, safe space for discourse.

T2F, in collaboration with Alliance Française de Karachi, presented Creative Karachi Festival as a celebration of the talent and spirit of Karachi’s creative community. The weekend program featured music performances, qavvaali, dramatic readings, art, photography, design, crafts, dance, stargazing, and a host of interactive activities. 

I hosted a two-day puppet and mask making workshop in partnership with the Saturday Studio team where children and youth aged 4-16 years participated and displayed their artworks.