Alhamra upgrades academy to boost arts education

. Lahore Arts Council (Alhamra) has completed the refurbishment and modernisation of the Alhamra Academy of Performing Arts, upgrading facilities for training in 14 artistic disciplines. The initiative aims to strengthen professional arts education, nurture emerging talent and promote Pakistan's cultural heritage. The refurbishment was carried out under the patronage of Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Bokhari, in line with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's vision to promote arts and culture. Following the completion of the work, cultural journalists visited the Academy on the minister's directions. Lahore Arts Council Executive Director Muhammad Nawaz Gondal welcomed the visitors and briefed them on the Academy's facilities, training programmes and ongoing activities. Speaking on the occasion, Gondal said the modernisation reflected the provincial government's commitment to strengthening cultural institutions and expanding opportunities for young people to develop their artistic skills. He said the upgraded facilities would provide students with a better environment for structured instruction, practical training and creative development. The Academy offers training in performing and visual arts, painting, music, acting, theatre and other creative disciplines. Gondal acknowledged the support of the chief minister, the provincial minister and the secretary of information and culture, saying their patronage had contributed to Alhamra's institutional development.