US Embassy and USEFP Open Shahkaar Fankaar Alumni Artist Showcase

What happened

On October 22, the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP), the US Embassy in Islamabad, and the Pakistan-US Alumni Network opened the first Shahkaar Fankaar Alumni Artist Showcase [1, 2]. The showcase is located in a new gallery space within the USEFP building in Islamabad [1]. This gallery is intended to feature the artistic achievements of alumni from US government-sponsored exchange programs [1, 2].

The inaugural exhibition is a solo show by Minaa Haroon, a visual artist and the Assistant Director of Fine Arts at the Lahore Arts Council [1, 2]. Haroon is an alumna of a US Department of State exchange program focused on cultural preservation [1]. Her artwork uses inherited jewellery and accessories to explore themes of memory, identity, and lineage, including pieces belonging to her mother [1, 3].

During the opening, Heidi Smith, the US Embassy’s Director of Public Engagement, stated that educational and cultural exchanges have connected Americans and Pakistanis as partners for decades [1, 2]. She noted that Haroon’s work demonstrates how exchange experiences can strengthen ties between the two nations [1]. Smith also mentioned that alumni are helping shape the US-Pakistan relationship as the US celebrates 250 years of independence [1, 3].

Other details regarding the event include:

• The opening featured a 3D projection of Haroon’s work on the USEFP building’s exterior wall, created by Islamabad-based Hoola Digital Pvt Ltd [1, 3]. This company also produced projections for the Pakistan Monument and Lahore Fort to mark the 250th birthday of the US on July 4, 2026 [1, 3].
• USEFP Executive Director Dr. Peter K. Moran noted that art provides a way to explore how international exchanges reshape understandings of the world [3].
• The exhibition is open to the public until November 20 at the USEFP building [3].
• Visiting hours are from 10:30am to 5pm, Monday through Friday [3].
• Three additional alumni artists are scheduled to hold solo exhibitions in the USEFP gallery during 2027 [2, 3].
• The opening was attended by Satrang Gallery Director and program advisor Asma Rashid-Khan, curator Sarah Rajper, US Department of State representatives, and various diplomats [2, 3].
• Haroon received a Certificate of Recognition for her artistic excellence [3].

Haroon previously traveled to the US in April 2024 as a visiting scholar in the Cultural Preservation Professional Exchange Program [1, 3]. She stated that her time in the US, including visits to museums and galleries, deepened her reflection on how traditions are preserved and interpreted [1, 3].

Who is affected

The showcase affects alumni of US government-sponsored exchange programs by providing a platform for their creative work [1, 2]. It also serves the public in Islamabad, who can visit the gallery until November 20 [3].