Located within the premises of the Arts Council, Karachi, the Central Institute of Arts and Crafts was established in 1966 by a private body of distinct personalities like Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Nawabzada Wajid, Justice Nana and Salim-uz-Zaman Siddiqui. It's governed by a Board of Directors. It is the citiy's first school that introduced a Design program to cater to the needs of the nascent advertising industry. Now a self-financed concern, the Institute has come a long way since its inception and has been headed from time to time by well known artists of the country like Ali Imam, Rashed Arshed, Masood Kohari, Maqsood Ali and Qudsia Nisar. The Institute offers four-year Diploma courses in Fine Arts, Graphic Design,and Textile Design.

Academic Programs Offered

CIAC specializes in Fine Arts, Graphic Design and Textile Design. The courses track students artistic ability while merging traditional and modern design methods. Designed for innovative students, this type of programming is adaptable to ability level, from novices to experts. The institute also runs various short-term courses and workshops like three-month Executive Weekend Course in Drawing, Painting and Graphic Design. These instructional programs offer students real world experience and way more practice to hone their skills and broaden their artistic horizons.

Facilities & Activities

The facilities include well equipped studios, classrooms, and exhibition space. In addition, CIAC conducts frequent exhibitions, art galleries and student displays to expose learners and boost their confidence in their work. The institute is a regular presence in Karachi’s art scene, prompting students to take part in artistic collaborations and cultural events. This immersive learning environment simultaneously drives students to not only hone their technical skills, but also build a greater appreciation for the arts.