KARACHI: Soneri Bank participated in the Arjumand Painting Award Ceremony 2017. The ceremony was held at PNCA Islamabad on Thursday 11 May. The Award is the first ever Art Award by any private gallery in Pakistan at the national level for artists between 25 – 40 years of age. Instituted in 2015 by Gallery 6 Islamabad, the key purpose of the Award is to emphasize the importance of classical painting among new, emerging, and recently established artists. At the same time, it has filled the void for appreciation and recognition of emerging and outstanding painters in an apposite manner. For the Arjumand Painting Award 2017, four cash prizes were presented with the support of collaborating partners. Irfan Gul Dahri won the Soneri Bank First Prize presented by Chief Guest Senator Sherry Rehman, an ardent art lover and art collector. Soneri Bank supports endeavours to promote arts and culture on a national level in resonance with their brand promise of ‘Roshan Har Qadam’. It acknowledges Dr. Arjumand Faisel’s vision for emerging artists and Director General PNCA Mr. Jamal Shah’s support towards the efforts of Gallery 6; encouraging young artists in a befitting manner. Fariya Zaeem, Head of Marketing at Soneri Bank felt, ‘a universal diverse energy in the paintings displayed at PNCA, in synergy with Soneri’s corporate brand philosophy of the ‘Sun that shines on every one.’ 137 artists submitted entries from all over Pakistan and out of these, 76 paintings were selected for exhibition. Judges Mansoor Rahi, Durriya Kazi, RM Naeem and Sana Arjumand selected top 4 paintings which were awarded based on concept, creativity, execution and composition. In addition to the artists, art lovers, diplomats, bureaucrats and distinguished citizens also attended the event. The exhibition will continue at PNCA till 21 May. Roshan Har Qadam!