ArtFest 2026 | Pakistan's Largest High School Arts Festival

// DIVISION #1

Visual Arts

Division Director - Zain Ferhan (+92 327 9488999)

9 categories, 27 available points

3D Art
Architectural Drawing
Calligraphic Art
Comic Art
Fashion Illustration
Graffiti
Life Drawing
Still Life
Thematic Art

Team participation

All delegates from the same team participating in this category will work together on a single project and will be judged collectively on that signle project. The team will be evaluated based on this category's judging criteria and will receive a single score and feedback for the entire team.

Folk Puppet Making— Topic for all

Participants will sculpt a character's head from clay and construct its body using vibrant scrap fabrics, yarn, and everyday materials.

Rules

1.Each team can send a team of a maximum of 3 and a minimum of 2 members to work on the sculpture.

2.The time given for the competition is 8 hours.

3.Participants may use any medium of their choice for their sculpture, e.g. clay, wood, glass, etc.

4.A carpenter and an electrician will be available on the premises.

5.There is no restriction on the size or style of the sculpture.

6.All participants must bring their own art material.

7.The sculpture must not depict violence, profanity, drug references or any other offensive material.

Requirements

Participating teams must send a minimum of 2 participants for this category, a maximum of 3 participants are allowed. The participating delegates can not take part in any other category in any division.

Rounds

Only 1 round

Judging Criteria

1.Aesthetic

2.Use of Medium

3.Originality

4.Quality of work

Points Distribution

1st

4

pts

2nd

3

pts

3rd

2

pts

Individual participation

If more than 1 delegate participate in this category from the same team, they will work on individual works and will be judged separately. Each participant will be evaluated based on this category's judging criteria and will receive individual scores and feedback.

TBR— Topic for all

Draw the specified architectural structure at a designated location, revealed on the day of the event.

Rules

1.Each team may send a maximum of 2 and a minimum of 1 participant(s).

2.If a delegation sends 2 participants, they will work individually, and not as a team.

3.The time given for the competition is 8 hours.

4.Delegates will be taken to a designated location. They will sit there for the duration of the category and draw the specified architectural structure at the location.

5.Printouts, photocopies, or any other reference materials are not allowed, as participants will make artworks of the designated architectural structure at the location.

6.All participants must bring their own art supplies and drawing boards.

7.Participants may work in any medium of their choice, provided it dries quickly, such as acrylics, watercolours, coloured pencils, pastels, etc.

8.Delegates must utilize the entire sheet of the paper provided (approximately A3).

9.The use of rulers and other mechanical instruments is permitted.

10.Tracing in any form is strictly forbidden.

11.Submissions must not include any imagery that depicts violence, profanity, drug use, or any other offensive content.

Requirements

Participating teams must send a minimum of 1 participant for this category, a maximum of 2 participants are allowed. The participating delegates can not take part in any other category in any division.

Rounds

Only 1 round

Judging Criteria

1.Personal Qualities

2.Drawing / Form

3.Use of Medium

Points Distribution

1st

3

pts

2nd

2

pts

3rd

1

pts

Rumi Ornamentation— Topic for Senior

Incorporate traditional rumi motifs into a calligraphic composition. Incorporate the stylized foliage and scrolling forms into the calligraphic text, maintaining a symmetrical orientation.

Ajrak Reimagined— Topic for Junior

Create a calligraphic composition that incorporates traditional Sindhi Ajrak patterns and motifs. Participants should integrate the calligraphy with the Ajrak design rather than placing it over a decorative background.

Rules

1.Each team is allowed to send two participants: one for the Junior Category and one for the Senior Category.

2.Tracing in any form is strictly forbidden.

3.Submissions must not include any imagery that depicts violence, profanity, drug use, or any other offensive content.

4.Both Junior and Senior participants will have 8 hours to complete their artwork.

5.Reference materials (e.g. designs) are permitted.

6.The final artwork may have any objects other than the calligraphic font itself, such as supporting images/drawings.

7.The calligraphy can be in any language. However, religious texts are not allowed.

8.All participants must bring their own art supplies and drawing boards.

9.Participants may work in any medium of their choice, provided it dries quickly, such as acrylics, watercolours, coloured pencils, pastels, etc.

10.Delegates must utilize the entire sheet of the paper provided (approximately A2).

11.The use of rulers and other mechanical instruments will not be allowed.

Requirements

Participating teams must send exactly 1 participant for this category. The participating delegates can not take part in any other category in any division.

Rounds

Only 1 round

Judging Criteria

1.Use of medium

2.Relevance of the style used

3.Cohesion of the art piece

Points Distribution

1st

3

pts

2nd

2

pts

3rd

1

pts

Individual participation

If more than 1 delegate participate in this category from the same team, they will work on individual works and will be judged separately. Each participant will be evaluated based on this category's judging criteria and will receive individual scores and feedback.

TBR— Topic for all

Round 1 topic (for original character design) is revealed on the day of the event; Round 2 scenario/prompt is given at random.

Rules

1.Each team may send a maximum of 2 and a minimum of 1 participant(s).

2.If a delegation sends 2 participants, they will work individually, and not as a team.

3.The time for the competition is a total of 6 hours: 2 hours for Round 1, and 4 hours for Round 2.

4.Participants may do this category using a physical medium, provided it dries quickly (e.g. acrylics, markers, colour pencils, etc.) or a digital medium using any graphics designing software.

5.In the case of a digital artwork: participants will be required to give an update of their progress to their category head after every 30 minutes and a time lapse of their artwork.

6.They must also have their own internet facilities.

7.After the category, participants will have to submit their work on a USB. The use of any pre-designed template will lead to disqualification.

8.Tracing and plagiarism is strictly prohibited.

9.Reference materials, such as printouts or photocopies, are allowed.

10.Submissions must not include any imagery that depicts violence, profanity, drug use, or any other offensive content.

11.Round 1: Participants will design a full body illustration of any original character(s) of their choice in relevance to the topic provided on the day of the event. Participants may design as many characters as they wish within 2 hours. All characters designed must be used in Round 2.

12.Round 2: A scenario/prompt will be given to all participants at random, which they must adhere to. They will need to show their character(s) from Round 1 in that scenario using their storytelling skills to create a comic strip. Tracing the original artwork of the character from Round 1 is allowed.

Requirements

Participating teams must send a minimum of 1 participant for this category, a maximum of 2 participants are allowed. The participating delegates can not take part in any other category in any division.

Rounds

All participating team will take part in all rounds, marks from all rounds will be considered for the final score.

1.Round 1

2.Round 2

Judging Criteria

1.Skils Shown

2.Originality

3.Story/Plot

4.Relevance to Prompt

Points Distribution

1st

3

pts

2nd

2

pts

3rd

1

pts

Team participation

All delegates from the same team participating in this category will work together on a single project and will be judged collectively on that signle project. The team will be evaluated based on this category's judging criteria and will receive a single score and feedback for the entire team.

Pakistani Street Wear— Topic for Junior

Create a fashion illustration that reimagines traditional Pakistani craftsmanship through contemporary streetwear, incorporating authentic artisan techniques, motifs, fabrics, or embroidery into modern urban apparel.

Artisan-Inspired Contemporary Fashion— Topic for Senior

Design a luxury contemporary fashion collection that reinterprets traditional Pakistani artisan techniques, showcasing how heritage craftsmanship can be elevated into high-end fashion.

Rules

1.Each team may send 1 Junior Team and 1 Senior Team.

2.Submissions must not include any imagery that depicts violence, profanity, drug use, or any other offensive content.

3.There can be a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 members in each team.

4.The time given for the competition is 8 hours for both Junior and Senior categories.

5.Participants must come prepared with their references in order to produce a minimum of 4 illustrations (3 outfits and 1 accessory) in the first 6 hours.

6.Participants may work in any medium of their choice, provided it dries quickly, such as acrylics, watercolours, coloured pencils, pastels, etc.

7.In the last two hours, each team will be provided with a board (approximately 4ft x 4ft) on which to display their illustrations for their line of clothing.

8.Participants must use tape, which they must bring themselves, to stick their illustrations on the board.

9.Participants may display photos, images and even quotations and/or extracts of writing that may have inspired the outfits.

10.Participants must bring and use their own art material and drawing boards.

Requirements

Participating teams must send a minimum of 2 participants for this category, a maximum of 4 participants are allowed. The participating delegates can not take part in any other category in any division.

Rounds

Only 1 round

Judging Criteria

1.Use of colour

2.Style

3.Proportion

4.Relevance to topic

Points Distribution

1st

4

pts

2nd

3

pts

3rd

2

pts

Team participation

All delegates from the same team participating in this category will work together on a single project and will be judged collectively on that signle project. The team will be evaluated based on this category's judging criteria and will receive a single score and feedback for the entire team.

Truck Art— Topic for Junior

Bring the vibrant spirit of Pakistan's iconic truck art to life through bold colours, intricate patterns, and expressive typography. Transform a plain surface into a striking celebration of creativity on a larger-than-life scale.

Ralli Patchwork Graffiti— Topic for Senior

Translate the vibrant, geometric patchwork patterns of traditional Sindhi ralli quilts into a bold graffiti mural on wood.

Rules

1.Each team may send 1 Junior Team and 1 Senior Team.

2.Submissions must not include any imagery that depicts violence, profanity, drug use, or any other offensive content.

3.There can be a minimum of 2 and maximum of 3 members in each team.

4.The time given for the competition is 8 hours for both Junior and Senior categories.

5.Participants must make their own stencils within the duration of the competition, should they wish to use any.

6.Delegates will be expected to make full use of the board (sized approximately 3ft x 3ft), which will be provided by Team ArtFest.

7.The use of rulers and other mechanical instruments is permitted.

8.Participants may work in any medium of their choice, provided it dries quickly, such as acrylics, spray paints, etc.

9.Reference materials (e.g. photocopies or printouts) are permitted.

10.All participants must bring their own art material.

Requirements

Participating teams must send a minimum of 2 participants for this category, a maximum of 3 participants are allowed. The participating delegates can not take part in any other category in any division.

Rounds

Only 1 round

Judging Criteria

1.Proportion

2.Visual relevance to topic

3.Use of colour

Points Distribution

1st

4

pts

2nd

3

pts

3rd

2

pts

Individual participation

If more than 1 delegate participate in this category from the same team, they will work on individual works and will be judged separately. Each participant will be evaluated based on this category's judging criteria and will receive individual scores and feedback.

Skilled Hands at Work— Topic for all

Create an observational drawing of a Pakistani artisan (such as an embroiderer, carpenter, potter, or weaver) focusing on posture, hand movements, and the tools of their craft.

Rules

1.Each team may send a maximum of 2 and a minimum of 1 participant(s).

2.If a delegation sends 2 participants, they will work individually and not as a team.

3.The time given for the competition is 8 hours.

4.A live model will be present, which will serve as the subject for all artworks.

5.Printouts, photocopies, or any other reference materials are not allowed, as participants will make artworks of the model.

6.All participants must bring their own art supplies and drawing boards.

7.Participants may work in any medium of their choice, provided it dries quickly, such as acrylics, watercolours, coloured pencils, pastels, etc.

8.Delegates must utilize the entire sheet of the paper provided (approximately A3).

9.The use of rulers and other mechanical instruments will not be allowed.

10.Tracing in any form is strictly forbidden.

11.Submissions must not include any imagery that depicts violence, profanity, drug use, or any other offensive content.

Requirements

Participating teams must send a minimum of 1 participant for this category, a maximum of 2 participants are allowed. The participating delegates can not take part in any other category in any division.

Rounds

Only 1 round

Judging Criteria

1.Composition

2.Personal Qualities

3.Drawing / Form

4.Use of Medium

Points Distribution

1st

3

pts

2nd

2

pts

3rd

1

pts

A Carpenter's Toolbox— Topic for Junior

Draw or paint a still life featuring simple woodworking tools such as a hammer, saw, measuring tape, and wooden blocks, focusing on shape and texture.

The Weavers Workspace— Topic for Senior

Illustrate a detailed still life arrangement depicting a carpet weaver's workspace.

Rules

1.Each team is allowed to send two participants: one for the Junior Category and one for the Senior Category.

2.All participants will be given the same still life arrangement as the subject for their artwork.

3.Both Junior and Senior participants will have 8 hours to complete their artwork.

4.All participants must bring their own art supplies and drawing boards.

5.Participants may work in any medium of their choice, provided it dries quickly, such as acrylics, watercolours, coloured pencils, pastels, etc.

6.Delegates must utilize the entire sheet of the paper provided (approximately A3).

7.The use of rulers and other mechanical instruments will not be allowed.

8.Tracing in any form is strictly forbidden.

9.Reference materials (e.g. photocopies or printouts) are not permitted, as all participants will make artworks of the same subject.

10.Submissions must not include any imagery that depicts violence, profanity, drug use, or any other offensive content.

Requirements

Participating teams must send exactly 1 participant for this category. The participating delegates can not take part in any other category in any division.

Rounds

Only 1 round

Judging Criteria

1.Composition

2.Personal Qualities

3.Drawing / Form

4.Use of Medium

Points Distribution

1st

3

pts

2nd

2

pts

3rd

1

pts

Multani Pottery— Topic for Junior

Incorporate the different art styles it was influenced by, for example Persian, Central Asian and Mongolian art.

A Day at the Bazaar— Topic for Senior

Create an artwork capturing the vibrant atmosphere of a traditional Pakistani bazaar, highlighting its artisans, handcrafted goods, cultural interactions, and everyday life.

Rules

1.Each team is allowed to send two participants: one for the Junior Category and one for the Senior Category.

2.Both Junior and Senior participants will have 8 hours to complete their artwork.

3.All participants must bring their own art supplies and drawing boards.

4.Participants may work in any medium of their choice, provided it dries quickly, such as acrylics, watercolours, coloured pencils, pastels, etc.

5.Delegates must utilize the entire sheet of the paper provided (approximately A3).

6.The use of rulers and other mechanical instruments will not be allowed.

7.Tracing in any form is strictly forbidden.

8.Reference materials (e.g. photocopies or printouts) are permitted.

9.Submissions must not include any imagery that depicts violence, profanity, drug use, or any other offensive content.

Requirements

Participating teams must send exactly 1 participant for this category. The participating delegates can not take part in any other category in any division.

Rounds

Only 1 round

Judging Criteria

1.Originality

2.Personal Qualities

3.Drawing / Form

4.Use of Colour

Points Distribution

1st

3

pts

2nd

2

pts

3rd

1

pts

// DIVISION #2

Media Arts

Division Director - Mian Saad Waheed (+92 310 7832343)

3 categories, 9 available points

Film Making
Digital Art
Photography

Team participation

All delegates from the same team participating in this category will work together on a single project and will be judged collectively on that signle project. The team will be evaluated based on this category's judging criteria and will receive a single score and feedback for the entire team.

The Artisan's Story— Topic for Junior

Produce a short documentary showcasing the life and work of a Pakistani artisan. Participants are encouraged to document authentic craft communities and workshops, such as those found in Anarkali, R.A. Bazaar, or the Walled City of Lahore, while highlighting the artisan's skill, process, and contribution to Pakistan's cultural heritage.

The Butterfly Effect— Topic for Senior

Produce a short film exploring how one small decision can lead to unexpected and life-changing consequences.

Rules

1.A minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 members are allowed in one team.

2.Submissions for Round 1 of the category must be sent to [email protected].

3.For the second round, delegates will have to make a vlog documenting their time at ArtFest.

4.The vlogs for Round 2 must be between 2 to 4 minutes long.

5.A BTS (Behind the Scenes) video must be submitted as a separate file for both rounds.

6.Delegates must have their own internet facilities.

7.All footage must be original and should not have been used in any previous competitions. Plagiarism will result in disqualification.

8.Each team may send 1 Junior Team and 1 Senior Team.

9.Participants are not allowed to portray violence, profanity, drug references or any other offensive material in their submissions.

10.For the first round, teams are required to make the film prior to the event and submit it on the 9th of November to their category head.

Requirements

Participating teams must send a minimum of 3 participants for this category, a maximum of 5 participants are allowed. The participating delegates can not take part in any other category in any division.

Rounds

All participating team will take part in all rounds, marks from all rounds will be considered for the final score.

1.Round 1

2.Round 2

Judging Criteria

1.Cinematography

2.Originality

3.Editing

4.Story

Points Distribution

1st

5

pts

2nd

4

pts

3rd

3

pts

Individual participation

If more than 1 delegate participate in this category from the same team, they will work on individual works and will be judged separately. Each participant will be evaluated based on this category's judging criteria and will receive individual scores and feedback.

Pakistani Olympics— Topic for all

Details will be revealed on the day of the event.

Rules

1.Each delegation may send a maximum of 2 and a minimum of 1 participant(s).

2.If a delegation sends 2 participants, they will work individually, and not as a team.

3.The time for the competition is 8 hours.

4.Participants will be required to present the digital artwork on an A3 size document.

5.Participants must create original artworks. Plagiarism or usage of any pre-designed templates will result in disqualification.

6.Participants may use any graphic designing software.

7.After the category, participants will have to submit their work on a USB.

8.Participants will be required to give an update of their progress to their category head after every 30 minutes and provide a timelapse of their artwork.

9.Delegates must have their own internet facilities.

10.Submissions must not include any imagery that depicts violence, profanity, drug use, or any other offensive content.

Requirements

Participating teams must send a minimum of 1 participant for this category, a maximum of 2 participants are allowed. The participating delegates can not take part in any other category in any division.

Rounds

Only 1 round

Judging Criteria

1.Skills Shown

2.Originality

Points Distribution

1st

4

pts

2nd

3

pts

3rd

2

pts

Team participation

All delegates from the same team participating in this category will work together on a single project and will be judged collectively on that signle project. The team will be evaluated based on this category's judging criteria and will receive a single score and feedback for the entire team.

The Missing Piece— Topic for Junior

Create a surreal photographic composition interpreting the concept of "The Missing Piece," where the absence of a person, object, or element transforms the meaning of the image.

Reflections of the Mind— Topic for Senior

Create a photograph that visually represents thoughts, emotions, dreams, or the inner workings of the human mind through symbolic or surreal imagery.

Rules

1.Each team may send 1 Junior Team and 1 Senior Team.

2.Delegates will have to provide the raw photographs along with edited ones.

3.1 delegate from each team will be allowed to present the photographs to the judges for both rounds.

4.Plagiarism, use of AI, and Photoshop will lead to disqualification.

5.Delegates must have their own internet facilities.

6.There can be a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 3 members in each team.

7.For the first round, the photographs will be taken prior to the event and brought by the participants, according to the topic given.

8.Each team will be required to bring 6-10 photographs printed in no less than A4 size.

9.No printing facilities will be provided on campus. It is the participants' responsibility to bring their own prints.

10.For Round 1, delegates will have 2 hours to prepare a relevant display using their photographs on a 4ft x 4ft board.

11.The display may contain explanatory text/inspiration behind the photographs.

12.All photographs in both rounds can be edited using apps such as Lightroom, Snapseed, etc.

13.In Round 2, the topics will be disclosed on the spot. In this round (lasting 5 hours) teams will be required to submit 5 photographs digitally to the category head.

Requirements

Participating teams must send a minimum of 2 participants for this category, a maximum of 3 participants are allowed. The participating delegates can not take part in any other category in any division.

Rounds

All participating team will take part in all rounds, marks from all rounds will be considered for the final score.

1.Round 1

2.Round 2

Judging Criteria

1.Content

2.Originality

3.Quality of Images

4.Use of light

5.Display on boards / Presentation

Points Distribution

1st

4

pts

2nd

3

pts

3rd

2

pts

// DIVISION #3

Music

Division Director - Taha Sheeraz (+92 317 1180686)

3 categories, 9 available points

Battle of the Bands
Instrumentals
Vocals

Team participation

All delegates from the same team participating in this category will work together on a single project and will be judged collectively on that signle project. The team will be evaluated based on this category's judging criteria and will receive a single score and feedback for the entire team.

Any Song— Topic for all

Rules

1.There will be only 1 round in this category.

2.A minimum of 3 people and a maximum of 6 people can form a band.

3.Each delegate in the same band must be part of the same delegation and team. Session players are not allowed.

4.Use of profanity is not permitted.

5.Performances must be live; any editing or mastering of the performance will lead to disqualification.

6.Participants will be provided with microphones, mic stands, a mixer, a standard sound system and a standard drum kit.

7.The time limit is 5 minutes, exceeding it would lead to a deduction of points.

Requirements

Participating teams must send a minimum of 3 participants for this category, a maximum of 6 participants are allowed. The participating delegate may take part in any other category in the Music division only.

Rounds

Only 1 round

Judging Criteria

1.Skills Shown

2.Stage Presence

3.Band Coordination

Points Distribution

1st

5

pts

2nd

4

pts

3rd

3

pts

Individual participation

If more than 1 delegate participate in this category from the same team, they will work on individual works and will be judged separately. Each participant will be evaluated based on this category's judging criteria and will receive individual scores and feedback.

Any Instumental Song— Topic for all

Rules

1.Each team may send a maximum of 4 and a minimum of 1 participant(s) to perform.

2.If a team sends multiple participants, they will perform individually, and not as a team.

3.Backing tracks may be used if they don't have backing vocals in them. Up to one supporting instrumentalist is allowed.

4.Performances must be live; any editing or mastering of the performance will lead to disqualification.

5.Participants will be provided with microphones, a mic stand, a mixer, a standard sound system and a standard drum kit.

6.In each round the time limit is 4 minutes, exceeding it would lead to a deduction of points.

7.Original songs are not allowed.

8.Round 1 (Elimination Round): Participants perform their choice of what they would prefer to perform (only covers).

9.Round 2 (Elimination Round): A theme will be given which all participants need to adhere to; failure to do so will result in point loss or disqualification.

10.Round 3: The final round will be held on Music Night. Shortlisted participants would have to create a mashup of 2-4 songs that they will perform.

Requirements

Participating teams must send a minimum of 1 participant for this category, a maximum of 4 participants are allowed. The participating delegate may take part in any other category in the Music division only.

Rounds

All participating team will take part in Round 1, top N teams will contnue towards each next round. Final round scores will be conisdered for position.

1.Round 1 (Elimination Round)

2.Round 2 (Elimination Round)

3.Round 3 (Final Round)

Judging Criteria

1.Skills Shown

2.Stage Presence

3.Accuracy

Points Distribution

1st

4

pts

2nd

3

pts

3rd

2

pts

Individual participation

If more than 1 delegate participate in this category from the same team, they will work on individual works and will be judged separately. Each participant will be evaluated based on this category's judging criteria and will receive individual scores and feedback.

Any Eastern Song— Topic for Eastern

Any Western Song— Topic for Western

Rules

1.If a team sends multiple participants, they will perform individually, and not as a team.

2.In each round the time limit is 4 minutes; exceeding it would lead to a deduction of points.

3.A maximum of 1 supporting instrumentalist is allowed per participant. They must be from the same delegation as the participant.

4.Background tracks are permitted if there are no backing vocals in the track.

5.Performances must be live; any editing or mastering of the performance will lead to disqualification.

6.Original songs are not allowed.

7.Round 1 (Elimination Round): Participants can perform a piece of their choosing.

8.Round 2 (Elimination Round): A theme will be given which all participants need to adhere to; failure to do so will result in point loss or disqualification.

9.Each team may send a maximum of 2 and a minimum of 1 delegate(s) for western vocals.

10.Each team may send a maximum of 2 and a minimum of 1 delegate(s) for eastern vocals.

11.Round 3: The final round will be held on Music Night. Performers need to create a mashup of 2-4 songs that they will perform.

Requirements

Participating teams must send a minimum of 1 participant for this category, a maximum of 2 participants are allowed. The participating delegate may take part in any other category in the Music division only.

Rounds

All participating team will take part in Round 1, top N teams will contnue towards each next round. Final round scores will be conisdered for position.

1.Round 2 (Elimination Round)

2.Round 3 (Final Round)

3.Round 1 (Elimination Round)

Judging Criteria

1.Skills Shown

2.Stage Presence

3.Accuracy

Points Distribution

1st

4

pts

2nd

3

pts

3rd

2

pts

// DIVISION #4

Discourse

Division Director - Ali Nawaz (+92 306 5911114)

2 categories, 6 available points

Art Discourse
Art Trivia

Team participation

All delegates from the same team participating in this category will work together on a single project and will be judged collectively on that signle project. The team will be evaluated based on this category's judging criteria and will receive a single score and feedback for the entire team.

Media, Visual and Joint— Topic for all

There will be 2 main rounds for the category, Media Panel (R1) & Visual Panel (R2), followed by a Joint bonus round (R3)

Rules

1.This category consists of three rounds: Visual Panel, Media Panel, and a Joint Bonus Round. The third round is an amalgamation of both panels; its details are revealed on the day of the event.

2.Round 1 (Visual Panel): Participants will be provided with a topic regarding visual arts. They must then discuss that topic according to their stance.

3.Round 2 (Media Panel): Participants will be shown a short film with a supporting topic. They must then discuss the film according to their stance.

4.Round 3 (Joint Round): The details and format of this round will be revealed on the day of the event.

5.Teams may send a two-member team to compete in the Discourse category.

6.Participants must speak in an orderly and respectful manner at all times. Any inappropriate language, aggression, or disrespectful behavior will be penalised and may lead to disqualification.

7.There will be 2 main rounds for the category, Media Panel & Visual Panel, followed by a joint bonus round.

8.For both main rounds: participants will be allotted a stance (for or against) at random.

9.Participants will be given 30 minutes to prepare their argument once the topic has been provided.

10.The two participants from the same team will have to speak for a total of 8-10 minutes.

11.Teams with opposing stances will go one after the other until all teams present have spoken.

12.All of the topics will be revealed on the day of the event.

Requirements

Participating teams must send exactly 2 participants for this category. The participating delegates can not take part in any other category in any division.

Rounds

All participating team will take part in all rounds, marks from all rounds will be considered for the final score.

1.Visual Panel

2.Media Panel

3.Joint Round

Judging Criteria

1.Logic of Argument

2.Supporting Details

3.Relevance to the Sources Provided

4.Style, Tone, and Manner of Speaking

Points Distribution

1st

4

pts

2nd

3

pts

3rd

2

pts

Team participation

All delegates from the same team participating in this category will work together on a single project and will be judged collectively on that signle project. The team will be evaluated based on this category's judging criteria and will receive a single score and feedback for the entire team.

Art, Music, Movies, Television, Photography, Literature, Pop Culture— Topic for all

Questions cover Art, Music, Movies, Television, Photography, Literature, Pop Culture, and other creative media.

Rules

1.Each team must have 2-3 participants who will compete together.

2.The competition will consist of 7 rounds, with two teams competing head-to-head in each round.

3.Before each round, one representative from each team will draw a chit to determine their opponent.

4.Questions will cover Art, Music, Movies, Television, Photography, Literature, Pop Culture, and other creative media.

5.Mobile phones, smart devices, internet access, notes, and external assistance are strictly prohibited and will result in immediate disqualification.

6.The Quizmaster and Category Head's decision will be final.

7.Rounds 1-5: Teams compete against randomly assigned opponents. Questions are asked alternately, with different questions of equal difficulty for each team. 1 point is awarded for each correct answer. Teams have 15 seconds to answer after the question is read. Incorrect or unanswered questions are not passed to the opposing team. All points contribute to the cumulative tournament score.

8.Rounds 6-7: Teams compete against randomly assigned opponents in a buzzer format. The first team to buzz has 10 seconds to answer. A correct answer earns 1 point; an incorrect answer deducts 1 point. Incorrect questions are passed to the opposing team. All points gained or deducted contribute to the cumulative score.

9.Results: After 7 rounds, the team with the highest cumulative score will be declared the winner. In case of a tie, a sudden-death buzzer round will determine the final rankings.

Requirements

Participating teams must send a minimum of 2 participants for this category, a maximum of 3 participants are allowed. The participating delegates can not take part in any other category in any division.

Rounds

All participating team will take part in all rounds, marks from all rounds will be considered for the final score.

1.Round 1

2.Round 2

3.Round 3

4.Round 4

5.Round 5

6.Round 6 (Buzzer)

7.Round 7 (Buzzer)

Points Distribution

1st

4

pts

2nd

3

pts

3rd

2

pts

// DIVISION #5

Drama

Division Director - English - Salar Hassan (+92 342 5400000)
Division Director - Urdu - M. Hannan Uppal (+92 326 4302224)

4 categories, 12 available points

English Drama
Urdu Drama
English Monologue
Urdu Monologue

Team participation

All delegates from the same team participating in this category will work together on a single project and will be judged collectively on that signle project. The team will be evaluated based on this category's judging criteria and will receive a single score and feedback for the entire team.

TBR— Topic for all

All prompts/themes are assigned to each team on the spot. See rules for more details.

Rules

1.This category consists of three rounds, with a cap of minimum 5 and maximum 7 delegates per team.

2.The time limit for the second and third rounds is minimum 5 and maximum 7 minutes, with 3 minutes of setup time provided.

3.For rounds 2 and 3, each team must consist of two people responsible for managing lights, sound, and other technical aspects. All arrangements should be done prior to the round.

4.A maximum of two teams per delegation can participate in the category. All teams who participate in this category must also send a minimum of one and maximum two people to participate in the monologue category.

5.Delegates are responsible for arranging props, costumes and items required for the performance (excluding chairs, tables and microphones).

6.No external help (costume designers, makeup artists, etc.) is allowed.

7.Paper reading is not permitted for any of the rounds.

8.Performances must not contain explicit, vulgar, offensive, or suggestive content. Inclusion of such material will lead to immediate disqualification.

9.Prohibited items (such as weapons) are not allowed as props.

10.All final decisions are at the judges' discretion and cannot be challenged.

11.Round 1 (Scriptwriting - 3 Hours): Delegates will have to write a script according to the prompt or theme assigned to them on the day of the category, and afterwards will have limited time to present and will be judged according to the given criteria.

12.Round 2 (Performance - 3 Hours): The second round will consist of acting. Each team will perform the skit they had written in the previous round.

13.Round 3 (Improvisation - 2 Hours): The third round will be improvisation. Each team will be given a prompt on the spot and asked to perform a skit.

Requirements

Participating teams must send a minimum of 5 participants for this category, a maximum of 7 participants are allowed. The participating delegate may take part in any other category in the Drama division only.

Rounds

All participating team will take part in all rounds, marks from all rounds will be considered for the final score.

1.Scriptwriting

2.Performance

3.Improvisation

Judging Criteria

1.Skills Shown

2.Stage Presence

3.Accuracy

Points Distribution

1st

6

pts

2nd

5

pts

3rd

4

pts

Team participation

All delegates from the same team participating in this category will work together on a single project and will be judged collectively on that signle project. The team will be evaluated based on this category's judging criteria and will receive a single score and feedback for the entire team.

TBR— Topic for all

All prompts/themes are assigned to each team on the spot. See rules for more details.

Rules

1.Each team must comprise a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 7 members (including the internal production unit).

2.Each team must manage its own lighting, sound cues, and technical arrangements from within the registered team limit.

3.Delegates are responsible for arranging their own basic props and costumes (excluding standard stage furniture like chairs and tables). Prohibited items (such as weapons or hazardous materials) are strictly forbidden.

4.Paper reading on stage is strictly prohibited across all rounds.

5.Round 1 (On-Spot Improv Challenge - 3 Hours): Held on Day 1. Prompts/topics will be handed out on the spot at the start of the session. The 3-hour slot covers team brainstorming, structuring, rehearsing, and performing live on stage.

6.Round 2 (Scriptwriting Session - 3 Hours): Teams will receive a prompt on the spot and be allotted 2 hours to write an original Urdu script. The remaining 1 hour is dedicated to script evaluation and a Q&A session with the judges.

7.Round 3 (On-Stage Performance): Teams will perform a live acted skit based directly on the script written in Round 2. There will be a minimum of 5 minutes, and a maximum of 10 minutes allotted. Each team is strictly allotted 3 minutes prior to their performance for stage setup.

Requirements

Participating teams must send a minimum of 5 participants for this category, a maximum of 7 participants are allowed. The participating delegate may take part in any other category in the Drama division only.

Rounds

All participating team will take part in all rounds, marks from all rounds will be considered for the final score.

1.On-Spot Improv Challenge

2.Scriptwriting Session

3.On-Stage Performance

Judging Criteria

1.Skills Shown

2.Stage Presence

3.Accuracy

Points Distribution

1st

6

pts

2nd

5

pts

3rd

4

pts

Team participation

All delegates from the same team participating in this category will work together on a single project and will be judged collectively on that signle project. The team will be evaluated based on this category's judging criteria and will receive a single score and feedback for the entire team.

TBR— Topic for all

All prompts/themes are assigned to each team on the spot. See rules for more details.

Rules

1.This category consists of three rounds.

2.Performances must remain within the 2-4-minute time frame. Going over may result in penalties at the judges' discretion.

3.The delegate cap for this category is minimum one and maximum two per team.

4.Paper reading is not permitted.

5.Props and costumes must be arranged by the delegates. Prohibited items (such as weapons) are not allowed as props.

6.Explicit, vulgar, or offensive content is strictly prohibited and may lead to disqualification.

7.Round 1 (Pre-existing Monologue - 3 Hours): Delegates will have to perform a pre-existing (not self-written) monologue of their choice. Submission of the selected monologue should be done to the category heads 5 days prior to the round. All delegates must ensure their submission is done on time.

8.Round 2 (Written Monologue - 3 Hours): In the second round, delegates will write a monologue on their own based on a given theme or prompt and then perform it. The prompts for the second round will be given on the spot on the day of the category.

9.Round 3 (Improvised Monologue - 2 Hours): In the third round, delegates will be given a theme or prompt on the spot and will have to improvise a monologue based on what they're given.

Requirements

Participating teams must send exactly 2 participants for this category. The participating delegate may take part in any other category in the Drama division only.

Rounds

All participating team will take part in all rounds, marks from all rounds will be considered for the final score.

1.Pre-existing Monologue

2.Written Monologue

3.Improvised Monologue

Judging Criteria

1.Skills Shown

2.Stage Presence

3.Accuracy

Points Distribution

1st

4

pts

2nd

3

pts

3rd

2

pts

Team participation

All delegates from the same team participating in this category will work together on a single project and will be judged collectively on that signle project. The team will be evaluated based on this category's judging criteria and will receive a single score and feedback for the entire team.

TBR— Topic for all

All prompts/themes are assigned to each team on the spot. See rules for more details.

Rules

1.There must be 1 lead performer on stage with a maximum of two delegates per team.

2.Paper reading is strictly forbidden across all rounds. Memorization of lines, fluid delivery, and proper Talaffuz (pronunciation) are required.

3.Costumes and props must be arranged independently by the delegate. Replica weapons or hazardous items are strictly prohibited.

4.Exceeding the time limit will result in a deduction off the total score.

5.Including explicit content, using prohibited props, missing mandatory submission deadlines, or failing to implement requested edits will lead to immediate disqualification.

6.All decisions made by the official judging panel and Category Heads are final, binding, and non-negotiable. Decisions cannot be challenged by participants or external advisors.

7.Performance time is 2 to 4 minutes per round.

8.Round 1 (On-Spot Improv): Delegates receive a situational scenario or prompt on the spot at the start of the session, get a short preparation window, and deliver an improvised Urdu monologue.

9.Round 2 (Impression & Perspective Swap): Delegates receive a scenario on the spot along with a famous personality, historical figure, or iconic character to impersonate. Tests character range, vocal modulation, and mannerisms without pre-written scripts.

10.Round 3 (Hidden Keyword Challenge): Delegates draw a situational prompt on the spot along with 3 mandatory, unrelated Urdu words/phrases that must be naturally woven into the monologue without breaking character.

Requirements

Participating teams must send exactly 2 participants for this category. The participating delegate may take part in any other category in the Drama division only.

Rounds

All participating team will take part in all rounds, marks from all rounds will be considered for the final score.

1.On-Spot Improv

2.Impression & Perspective Swap

3.Hidden Keyword Challenge

Judging Criteria

1.Skills Shown

2.Stage Presence

3.Accuracy

Points Distribution

1st

4

pts

2nd

3

pts

3rd

2

pts

The ArtFest Experience

13 & 14 November 2026

ArtFest2026

Competition Categories

Visual Arts

3D Art

Team participation

Folk Puppet Making— Topic for all

Rules

Requirements

Rounds

Judging Criteria

Points Distribution

Architectural Drawing

Individual participation

TBR— Topic for all

Rules

Requirements

Rounds

Judging Criteria

Points Distribution

Calligraphic Art

Rumi Ornamentation— Topic for Senior

Ajrak Reimagined— Topic for Junior

Rules

Requirements

Rounds

Judging Criteria

Points Distribution

Comic Art

Individual participation

TBR— Topic for all

Rules

Requirements

Rounds

Judging Criteria

Points Distribution

Fashion Illustration

Team participation

Pakistani Street Wear— Topic for Junior

Artisan-Inspired Contemporary Fashion— Topic for Senior

Rules

Requirements

Rounds

Judging Criteria

Points Distribution

Graffiti

Team participation

Truck Art— Topic for Junior

Ralli Patchwork Graffiti— Topic for Senior

Rules

Requirements

Rounds

Judging Criteria

Points Distribution

Life Drawing

Individual participation

Skilled Hands at Work— Topic for all

Rules

Requirements

Rounds

Judging Criteria

Points Distribution

Still Life

A Carpenter's Toolbox— Topic for Junior

The Weavers Workspace— Topic for Senior

Rules

Requirements

Rounds

Judging Criteria

Points Distribution

Thematic Art

Multani Pottery— Topic for Junior

A Day at the Bazaar— Topic for Senior

Rules

Requirements

Rounds

Judging Criteria

Points Distribution

Media Arts

ArtFest
2026