Pakistan National Council of the Arts
The Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) is the country’s premier national arts institution, working under the National Heritage & Culture Division, Government of Pakistan. Established in 1973 through a legislative mandate, PNCA serves as the custodian of Pakistan’s artistic heritage, a platform for emerging talent, and a hub for creative exchange both locally and internationally.
The Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) is the country’s premier national arts institution, working under the National Heritage & Culture Division, Government of Pakistan. Established in 1973 through a legislative mandate, PNCA serves as the custodian of Pakistan’s artistic heritage, a platform for emerging talent, and a hub for creative exchange both locally and internationally.
PNCA maintains active partnerships with regional art councils across all provinces. From visual arts and classical music to puppetry, theatre, and cultural diplomacy, PNCA enables artistic growth through exhibitions, education, residencies, publications, and public events.
Our Mission
PNCA is dedicated to promoting diverse forms of visual arts, performing arts, and film at the national level. It also seeks to strengthen provincial connections and foster partnerships with cultural organizations both within Pakistan and internationally, in order to advance the preservation and celebration of culture, heritage, and the arts.
Promote artistic activity
Encourage creative individual talent and build their capacity.
Develop art and cultural institutions
Foster a clear sense of purpose in national identity and cohesion based on belief and tradition
Implement international cultural agreements under the advice of the Federal Government
Co-ordinate and supervise cultural bodies throughout Pakistan
Provide services as an experts and advisory body
Our Vision
A culturally enriched Pakistan where arts are accessible, artists are empowered, and heritage is celebrated as a source of national pride and unity.
PNCA’s National Reach
PNCA’s influence goes beyond Islamabad. In partnership with provincial arts councils (Punjab, Sindh, KP, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and AJK), PNCA promotes cultural activity across the country. We also represent Pakistan in international cultural festivals and bilateral art exchanges.
Director General’s Message
“At PNCA, our mission is not only to preserve Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage but also to build platforms for new and emerging creative voices from across the country. From the coasts of Sindh to the mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan, I want to see young artists, musicians, filmmakers, writers, designers, and performers step into the spotlight and take pride in their craft.”
Muhammad Ayoub Jamali, Director General of PNCA
