The Institute of Art and Design at the University of Sargodha (UoS) organized an insightful seminar titled “Social and Cultural Change through Art and Design”, highlighting the transformative potential of creativity in shaping society and culture.
The seminar explored how art serves as a medium for social awareness, inclusivity, and progressive thought. Vice Chancellor of UoS, Prof Dr Qaisar Abbas, graced the event as the chief guest and underscored the power of artistic expression in influencing collective consciousness and fostering cultural evolution. He commended the Institute for engaging students and scholars in critical dialogues linking art to social development.
The event featured eminent speakers including Prof Quddus Mirza, renowned art critic and professor at the School of Visual Arts and Design, Beaconhouse National University (BNU) Lahore, and Prof Dr Kanwal Khalid, representative of the Punjab Higher Education Department. Both speakers shared their perspectives on how art challenges stereotypes, bridges cultural divides, and acts as a catalyst for constructive societal transformation.
Prof Mirza discussed the historical relationship between art and social change, emphasizing that artistic expression has always served as a powerful tool to question norms and cultivate empathy. Prof Khalid reflected on her experiences as an artist and educator, stressing the importance of visual culture in addressing social issues and nurturing critical thinking among the youth.
The session also featured interactive discussions where students actively engaged with the speakers, sharing their views on the role of design and creativity in shaping a more inclusive and reflective society.
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The event was organized under the supervision of Ms Maryam Saif, Director of the Institute of Art and Design, and coordinated by Ms Huma Sajjad, Lecturer at the Institute. The seminar concluded with a renewed commitment to harnessing art and design as instruments of positive social change and cultural understanding.