Lahore School of Economics hosted the First Annual Conference of Media Studies, Art, and Design on the 2nd and 3rd of May 2024. The theme of the conference was Narratives of Places: Multidisciplinary Perspectives and Presentations. The opening session was addressed by the Rector of the Lahore School of Economics, Dr Shahid Amjad Chaudhry, who emphasized the importance of being able to express ourselves as individuals.
The conference brought together senior academics, researchers, and practitioners, including Dr Shahid Siddiqui, Dr Samina Iqbal, and Dr Mariam Zia. Salima Hashmi the Keynote Speaker recalled her experience as a student studying at the Art Department of Lahore College for Women. Hashmi further talked about her interest in the colonial coloring of the architecture of Pakistan.
The first day of the conference focused on the diverse use of public spaces as a platform for expression, sites of transcendence, and the history of colonial cities. Notable speakers from different universities including the National Collage of Arts, COMSATS, University of Sindh came together to showcase their research and presentations. Moreover, in the third session, documentaries from independent filmmakers were screened at the conference.
The second day of the Conference focused on discussions about cinema, fashion, and calligraphy. Presenters discussed alternative media: art films and experimental cinema that led to an enlightening discussion session about diverse film industries including Indian, Pakistani, and also Iranian.
The Head of the Department of Media Studies, Art and Design, Rabia Nadir, concluded the conference. "These artists and researchers have brought this conference to the layer that things are in the making. That you can actually make public spaces your own.” She further added: “Sometimes our words become suspects. This is not a conclusion to the theme of the conference but I really want to thank everyone who brought with us a part of themselves and shared it.” Rabia was optimistic about having more such endeavors in the coming future: “We will keep going back, re-visiting and meeting you again, hearing from you, and arranging more such conferences here at Lahore School.”
One of the conference's highlights was the art exhibition display, which showcased the artwork from 16 diverse artists. The display was curated by Professor Ali Raza and provided an opportunity for the attendees to learn about the artworks of diverse artists from all over the country at the Lahore School of Economics and interact with the artists in attendance.
The conference provided an opportunity for the attendees to network with other professionals and academics fostering new collaborations and partnerships. The organizers expressed their gratitude to the keynote speakers, session chairs, and paper presenters for their contributions to the conference's success. They also thanked the attendees for their active participation and engagement throughout the conference.