A 19th century renovated and refurbished Army barrack was handed over to Foundation for Museum of Modern Art (Fomma) by Defence Housing Authority in a simple ceremony held at DHA Zamzama Park, said a press release here on Sunday.
DHA Administrator Brigadier Kamran Aziz Qazi was the chief guest of the function.
Speaking on the occasion, he said the Fomma DHA Art Center would play a pivotal role in promotion of modern arts and aesthetic activities in the metropolis.
The administrator said that the doctrinal spirit underlying all DHA's development projects was to improve the quality of life of residents and added that the present initiative of establishing a contemporary art center was in line with the same purpose.
He reiterated that the Authority would promote educational, artistic and cultural activities in DHA in particular and the city in general.
He also assured Fomma of all help and assistance by DHA for promotion of art and architecture embodying aesthetic delight and cultural enlightenment.
The administrator hoped the Fomma Art Center would emerge as a venue for use by the art community in particular and the art-loving public in general for art exhibitions, seminars, discussions and art research.
The administrator paid rich tributes to Jalaluddin, DG Fomma and a celebratory art critic for his selfless commitment, dedication and efforts in making the establishment of art center possible.
Earlier, the Fomma Chairman, Zulfiqar A Lakhani, in his welcome address said the symbiotic relationship between Fomma and DHA was just the first step towards their shared commitment to endow Karachi with a museum of modern and contemporary art".
He said the art center would start functioning early next month.
Nighat Mir, the honorary director of the center, in her concluding remarks said that a calendar of events was being drawn up for the coming months, which visualised the art center as a place which the artists and art lovers could call their own. She said that the Art Center would promote aesthetically vibrant art and cultural activities in the city.-PR