Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi

Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi
آرٹس کونسل آف پاکستان کراچی‎
AbbreviationACPKHI
Formation1948 (1948)
TypeNon-Profit Organisation
Legal statusRegistered Society
PurposePromotion of Arts and Culture
HeadquartersM.R. Kiyani Road, Saddar Town, Karachi
Coordinates24°51′11″N 67°01′15″E / 24.853044°N 67.020908°E / 24.853044; 67.020908
Area served
Pakistan
Key people
Mohammad Ahmed Shah (President)
Employees350 (2021)
Websiteacpkhi.com

The Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, abbreviated as ACPKHI, is a non-profit organisation in Karachi, Pakistan, dedicated to the promotion of performing and fine arts. Its activities include theatre productions, dance and music academies, literary conferences, talent competitions, and other cultural events. The council's programmes are intended to be accessible to a broad range of audiences and of diverse segments of society.

Founded in 1948 as an institution for the advancement of arts and culture, it is among the oldest and most prominent non-governmental organisations in Pakistan in this field. Hosting a high volume of events each year, the council plays a role in preserving and fostering the country's artistic traditions.

Unlike the Lahore Arts Council and other government-run counterparts, ACPKHI as an independent NGO, holding leadership elections every two years. This autonomy from government funding and oversight allows it to maintain creative independence, apply selective self-censorship, and promote a wide range of cultural expression without direct political influence.

In addition to its work in theatre, literature, and music, the Arts Council has expanded into fashion design and filmmaking. It provides subsidised or, in some cases, free access to its auditoriums, studios, and technical facilities for young creatives, addressing the limited availability of affordable training and platforms in these fields.