LB03 Inaugural Weekend

The Lahore Biennale Foundation launched its third edition, LB03: Of Mountains and Seas, with a spectacular five-week multidisciplinary art exhibition across Lahore’s iconic heritage and cultural sites. The opening week celebrated the power of collaboration, bringing together governments, public and private institutions, artists, curators, and local communities to showcase diverse global artistic expressions. From intimate receptions and curated tours to grand ceremonies, the events set the tone for an ambitious Biennale that redefined the city’s cultural landscape.

The opening reception, co-hosted by the British Council and Creative Australia, along with a dinner hosted by Seher Tareen at the COMO Museum, offered warm welcomes to participating artists and stakeholders. The official inauguration ceremony at Alhamra Art Centre saw addresses by key figures, including LBF Executive Director Qudsia Raheem and LB03 Curator John Tain, followed by performances and screenings of compelling works such as Cry of the River Ravi by Abuzar Madhu and Sin Wai Kin’s The Fortress. Attendees enjoyed guided tours at Lahore Fort, Shalimar Gardens, and other historic venues, where site-specific artworks by global and local artists engaged audiences with their innovative narratives.

The Biennale also featured thought-provoking performances, such as Sonic Migration by Discostan and Aliens of Lahore with costumes by Leeroy New, alongside a symposium by Dryden Goodwin titled Breathe: Lahore, which explored air pollution and environmental issues in collaboration with international and local partners. Recognizing outstanding contributions to art and society, the Lifetime Achievement Award for Supporting the Arts was presented to Syeda Nighat Ali for her enduring commitment to nurturing the artistic community. Meanwhile, the Asma Jehangir Award for Socially Engaged Practice was awarded to Imran Qureshi, honouring his impactful work in addressing social themes through art.

These events underscored the Biennale’s role as a bridge between diverse artistic practices and cultural dialogues, cementing LB03 as a defining moment in Lahore’s cultural and artistic history.