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New library at French cultural centre
KARACHI, May 5(Dawn): A new library/mediatheque and an art gallery were opened
at the Alliance Francaise on Friday.
French ambassador Regis de Belenet
performed the opening of the new extended premises, which the officials called
the first phase of an ambitious project, which will culminate with the
construction of an auditorium in the second phase. French consul-general Pierre
Seillan was also present on the occasion.
Alliance Francaise is part of
the network of the French embassy in Pakistan and also a part of the worldwide
network of Alliances.
Among the four Alliances in Pakistan, the Karachi
branch is the oldest. The opening of the two cultural establishments was adorned
with an exhibition at the new gallery in which artworks of 16 artists were put
on display.
According to the organisers, both places would be open to the
public with the sole purpose of encouraging scholars and artists. "The basic
mission of Alliance Francaise is the dissemination and teaching of the French
language to the largest possible number of people and the diffusion of French
culture and Francophonie in Pakistan," said an organiser.
The library at
the Alliance has one of the richest collections of French books and journals in
Pakistan. With the new addition, it has now more than 10,000 books, hundreds of
film DVDs and audio CDs. It has also subscribed to all major French magazines,
newspapers and periodicals.
"Our purpose is to encourage French and
Pakistani cultures here because France is strongly committed to cultural
diversity," said an organiser.
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