Pakistan’s First VXR Festival Opens in Lahore With 70 International Artists
LAHORE, November 10, 2026: Pakistan’s first Virtual and Extended Reality (VXR) Festival has opened in Lahore, showcasing immersive digital artworks created by 70 artists from Pakistan and abroad.
The festival began on November 8 at Alliance Française de Lahore under the theme Between the Prompts // V.1.
According to Dawn, the event brings together artists from Pakistan, France, Spain, Canada, the United States and other countries.
Visitors can explore creative installations using virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and interactive digital technologies.
What Is Pakistan’s VXR Festival?
The VXR Festival explores how emerging technologies are changing the creation and experience of art.
Unlike conventional exhibitions, where visitors primarily observe paintings and sculptures, immersive installations allow audiences to interact with digital environments.
The festival is curated by Dr Najamul Assar and Sarah Rajper, with Zainab Aamir serving as assistant curator.
It is organised by the team behind the Lahore Digital Arts Festival, which has promoted digital creativity in Pakistan since 2019.
Which Artists and Experiences Are Featured?
The festival includes several distinctive international and Pakistani projects.
Claude Monet VR Experience: Visitors can virtually explore the French artist’s garden in Giverny and experience his famous Water Lilies paintings.
Sana Akram’s Sun: This immersive artwork reimagines traditional Urdu Tilismi Dastan storytelling through virtual environments.
AB Rehman’s Al Buraq 2.0: The installation combines cultural symbolism with futuristic digital storytelling.
Jérémy Griffaud’s Under the Sky: The experience brings nearly 300 watercolour paintings created in Borneo into an animated environment.
Faqeha Nadeem’s Every Day: Augmented reality transforms hand-drawn sketchbook illustrations into interactive digital artworks.
VXR Festival 2026 Dates and Locations
The festival is taking place across Lahore and Islamabad.
| Location | Dates |
|---|---|
| Lahore | November 8–11, 2026 |
| Beaconhouse National University, Lahore | November 12, 2026 |
| Islamabad | November 13–15, 2026 |
The Lahore programme includes Alliance Française, R Space and other cultural and educational venues.
Visitors should consult the official VXR Festival website for programme updates.
Is Entry to the VXR Festival Free?
Yes. The festival has been promoted as offering free public access.
However, individual sessions may have limited capacity, and visitors should confirm any registration requirements before travelling.
The festival is supported by French and Spanish cultural institutions and embassies, in collaboration with UNESCO.
Why Is This Festival Important for Pakistan?
The VXR Festival introduces Pakistani audiences to creative applications of VR, AR and immersive technology beyond gaming.
It also provides opportunities for students, artists and technology professionals to explore digital storytelling and interactive design.
By combining traditional cultural narratives with emerging technology, the festival highlights new possibilities for Pakistan’s creative industries.