The National College of Arts (NCA), Lahore, has unveiled a major initiative to preserve the intellectual and artistic legacy of its most recent landmark event. In an announcement finalized in late February, the institution issued a regional open call for an upcoming publication: An Anthology of The NCA Triennale 2025.
A Collective South Asian Narrative
The project aims to assemble a diverse choir of voices from across South Asia to provide a permanent record of the Triennale’s vast programming. Far from a standard institutional report, this anthology is designed to be a living archive, blending the perspectives of scholars, practitioners, and observers who experienced the festival’s residencies, workshops, and exhibitions firsthand.
Exploring the “In-Between” of Art
The NCA is encouraging contributors to look beyond the surface of the galleries. The anthology invites a critical look at the “how” and “why” behind contemporary craft and performance. Potential contributors are encouraged to delve into themes such as:
- Aural and stage traditions like the evolution of regional theatre and the preservation of instrumental music.
- Explorations of material culture, craft techniques, and visual archives.
- The intersection of oral histories and modern cultural education.
What distinguishes this call is its formal flexibility. The NCA is welcoming creative nonfiction, longform journalism, micro-essays, and poetry. By specifically encouraging vernacular forms and notes on craft, the institution is prioritizing authentic, local perspectives over rigid academic structures.
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Submission Guidelines
For writers and thinkers wishing to be part of this South Asian record, the first step is the submission of a 100–300 word abstract or synopsis. This brief overview should outline the writer’s proposed reflection or analysis.
The deadline for these initial submissions is March 2, 2026. This project represents a rare opportunity for writers to contribute to a definitive cultural history of one of the region’s most influential art events.
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