Centre of Wellbeing, Training & Culture to develop international network on arts, culture and heritage of Pakistan

The masters of tabla at Rhythms of Pakistan, The Centre of Wellbeing, Training & Culture

The Centre of Wellbeing, Training & Culture will be developing an international network on arts, culture and the heritage of Pakistan.

Kickstarting the network was the ‘Rhythms of Pakistan event’ at Unity House, Rochdale, on 3 October, organised in association with the Press Club of Pakistan, UK and Europe.

The centre invited guests to the event from Greater Manchester including artists, organisations, young people, teachers, media, and the Consulate of Pakistan, Manchester.

The need for developing the network was requested by the Pakistani community, including artists from the UK and Pakistan, to take a leading role in establishing a network of experts in the sectors of education, training, and promotion of quality arts of, and from, the UK and Pakistan.

A professional network to support its aims and objectives was unanimously welcomed by all.

Organiser of the event, Mohammed Sarwar, Chief Executive of The Centre of Wellbeing, Training & Culture, said: “We have tremendous opportunity and experiences to improve better understanding, skills and engagement with the wider community from arts, culture and heritage between the two countries.

“It’s a matter of being focused, work with strategic partners, support each other to be part of mainstream provision. This undoubtably will enhance the socioeconomics of the regions.

“I hope that the consultation from the Pakistan community, artists and councillors will improve and enhance arts and cultural policies for local authorities, arts council of England, festivals, education institutes, including the government of Pakistan to engage and promote quality arts, culture and heritage of Pakistan. We will help to establish a national network of experts in the subject to develop strategies to enhance existing policies.

“I am looking forward to establishing the network and develop the policy to put proposals to the Consulate of Pakistan, Manchester, Arts Council England, local authorities and the government of Pakistan.”

Acting Consul General of Pakistan, Manchester, Fiza Niazi; Councillor Iftikhar Ahmed; Councillor Mohammed Zaman; Councillor Wazir Shah; Chair of Link4Life, Roger Platt and Ghulam Shahzad all expressed their views and said that they thoroughly enjoyed the quality presentation of the event, the talks of arts for mental health, and superb performances by masters of tabla.

All agreed to provide full support for this important development.

Mr Sarwar thanked everyone for their efforts and support, especially the volunteer service users from the centre.