Since 2013, British Council, in partnership with Charles Wallace Pakistan Trust and VASL, has supported the participation of Pakistani artists in Gasworks Residency, London. The programme focuses on professional development, artistic exchange and the enhancement of artistic processes. The aim of the exchange has been to allow Pakistani artists the opportunity to engage on an international platform.
Being surrounded by the rich South London arts scene and other artists from around the world gives participants the immersive experience necessary for artistic growth. Last year, Basir Mamood represented Pakistan. On his return, a feedback event was organised by Vasl at the Canvas Gallery, where along with Basir Mahmood, Muhammad Zeeshan (2007) and Seema Nusrat (2008) shared their collective experience of Gasworks and being in the UK. Commenting on his experience Basir said, “My stay at Gasworks was an opportunity to expand my formal and conceptual concerns. It was a chance to develop my practice towards new possibilities”. The discussion was moderated by Sumbul Khan, Director Arts, British Council who also announced the 2014 Gasworks residency fellow, Fazal Rizvi.
Fazal Rizvi's was of three months July-October