ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s federal government has disbursed nearly Rs. 29 million in financial aid to struggling artists under the Federal Government Artists Welfare Fund (FGAWF), offering critical support to painters, musicians, dancers, and other creatives facing economic hardship.
The initiative, led by the National Heritage and Culture Division (NHCD), aims to ease financial pressure on artists who contribute significantly to the country’s cultural identity but often lack sustainable income.
For years, Pakistan’s painters, sculptors, musicians, dancers, and other creative souls have grappled with financial insecurity, limited access to platforms, and a lack of sustainable support systems.
Despite their invaluable contributions to the nation’s identity, many artists live on the margins, battling economic hardship that threatens their ability to continue practising their crafts.
The NHCD’s phased release of welfare funds, totalling nearly Rs. 29 million for this fiscal year, is a welcome step.
In the first phase, 60 artists received financial aid ranging from Rs. 130,000 to Rs. 800,000, aimed at alleviating immediate financial pressures.
The second phase is set to assist 140 more artists, with amounts between Rs. 75,000 and Rs. 100,000.
However, these sums, while significant, highlight a broader systemic issue. Many artists rely on sporadic earnings from exhibitions, performances, and commissions, which can be unpredictable and insufficient to cover basic living costs.
The pandemic further exacerbated these hardships, shuttering galleries and event spaces, cutting off vital income streams overnight.
“I’ve devoted my life to preserving our folk traditions, but supporting my family has become a daily struggle,” shared an anonymous artist from rural Punjab.
“This assistance from the government is helpful, but we need more consistent support and recognition.”
Cultural experts argue that beyond financial aid, Pakistan’s artists need infrastructure, education, healthcare benefits, and platforms to showcase their work internationally. The fragile ecosystem demands not just charity but long-term investment.
The NHCD’s initiative is a step in the right direction, reflecting growing awareness at the governmental level about the essential role artists play in the nation’s cultural and social fabric.
