Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi was established in 1948 by a group of literary figures, originally known as 'The Fine Arts Society of Karachi'. It was renamed in 1954 to 'Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi' in recognition of its contributions to fine and performing arts in the country. The organization was officially registered on May 10, 1955, under the Societies Act 1860. The founding members included notable figures such as;.
- Dr. Esmat Rahim
- Syed Amjad Ali
- Edward Sudan
- G. Ahmed
- Agha A. Hamid
- A.R. Faridi
- Jalaluddin Ahmed
Mr. Altaf Gohar along with his colleagues, struggled endlessly to get a piece of land measuring 11,270 sq. yards for Art Council’s establishment and was eventually successful in doing so during the tenure of Chief Secretary Sindh, Mr. A T. Naqvi.
The ACPKHI construction plan was prepared by Mr. Rosch, and Architect Ms. Rizki completed the plan.
ACPKHI own building was built in 1960, which was made possible through donations from philanthropists and supporters of fine arts. An ample space of 48,900 square feet space reserved for future facilities.
Since its formation, Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi has grown to become a key cultural institution in the country. Its first Vice President was Princess Abida Sultana, with Mr. Agha Abdul Hameed, who served as Secretary.
The ACPKHI's first Executive Director was Mr. Irfan Hussain, and its serving Executive Director is Mr. Muhammad Daniyal Umer, who became the youngest to hold the position in the history of ACPKHI.
It is currently being led by its first elected President, Mohammad Ahmed Shah (SI), since 2008. Mr. Ahmed Shah (SI), has been instrumental in expanding the organization's reach and reputation, promoting arts, culture, literature, and fine arts.
Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi is a nationally and globally recognized NPO that was once hosted by great maestros such as Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Sadequain, and Roshan Ara Begum.
President ACP, Ahmed Shah's efforts have elevated the organization to international stature, fostering collaborations with countries such as China, Germany, South Korea, USA, Portugal, and Japan.
Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi hosts several internationally recognized events, including
- Aalmi Urdu Conference
- Azadi Aalmi Mushaira
- Awami Theatre Festival
- Dance Festivals
- Karachi Theatre Festival
- Mohsin-e-Insaniat Conference
- Pakistan Youth Festival
- Pakistan Music Festival
- Pakistan Literature Festival
- Red Bull BC One Cypher Pakistan
- Sindh Literature Festival
- Sindh Theatre Festival
- Sound Spirit
- Women Conference