KBT TEAM
Bushra Hussain
Artistic Director, Karachi Biennale Trust
Bushra Hussain a Karachi based art professional has close to two decades of experience with art galleries and institutions that combines curatorial and art management skills. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the National College of Arts, Lahore having graduated in 1992.
She has worked as an independent visual arts consultant offering expertise in curation, gallery management, archiving, research and art collection management to leading collectors in the country and prestigious art galleries such as VM Art Gallery, ArtChowk the Gallery, Canvas Gallery and Koel Gallery. She is very keen on exploring innovative ideas and standard-setting trends in visual contemporary art.
Bushra has held the positions of Assistant Gallery Director for VM Art Gallery, Curator and Gallery Manager for ArtChowk the Gallery previously.
She has also been an integral part of the Karachi Biennale Trust since inception as a founding Trustee where she supported three iterations of Karachi Biennale; KB17, KB19 and KB22 in a voluntary capacity. Her major contribution has been as Chair of the Prizes Committee, where she established five art prizes. In a short span of time these have become Pakistan’s most coveted prizes.
Her driving passion has always gravitated to mentor young artists to realize their creative potential and she has guided countless emerging talents in her various roles.
In her new role as the first Artistic Director of KBT, Bushra Hussain will bring fresh energy and ideas to help initiate the expansion and consolidation of KB. Her vision includes creating an enabling environment where art professionals can explore new synergies and push innovative thresholds. She would also be contributing to strengthening existing art infrastructure; particularly exhibition production practices to showcase local and global art at its best.
She has worked as an independent visual arts consultant offering expertise in curation, gallery management, archiving, research and art collection management to leading collectors in the country and prestigious art galleries such as VM Art Gallery, ArtChowk the Gallery, Canvas Gallery and Koel Gallery. She is very keen on exploring innovative ideas and standard-setting trends in visual contemporary art.
Bushra has held the positions of Assistant Gallery Director for VM Art Gallery, Curator and Gallery Manager for ArtChowk the Gallery previously.
She has also been an integral part of the Karachi Biennale Trust since inception as a founding Trustee where she supported three iterations of Karachi Biennale; KB17, KB19 and KB22 in a voluntary capacity. Her major contribution has been as Chair of the Prizes Committee, where she established five art prizes. In a short span of time these have become Pakistan’s most coveted prizes.
Her driving passion has always gravitated to mentor young artists to realize their creative potential and she has guided countless emerging talents in her various roles.
In her new role as the first Artistic Director of KBT, Bushra Hussain will bring fresh energy and ideas to help initiate the expansion and consolidation of KB. Her vision includes creating an enabling environment where art professionals can explore new synergies and push innovative thresholds. She would also be contributing to strengthening existing art infrastructure; particularly exhibition production practices to showcase local and global art at its best.
Ambreen Saleh
Head, Marketing and Communications
Ambreen joined Karachi Biennale Trust in 2022 prior to the third Karachi Biennale, KB22. She applied her 15 years of experience in communications, marketing, relationship management and fundraising (resource development) to support KB22. She managed the relationship with the lead partner Engro Corporation Limited and developed relationships with individuals and institutions including Khaadi and the Pakistan Stock Exchange.
She is currently Head of Marketing and Communications, after leading and implementing a Marketing Strategy for KB22 that included Social Media, Public Relations, Digital Marketing and School Engagement.
Ambreen has worked in global corporations and nonprofit organizations such as Aga Khan University, Habib University, Acumen and Citibank. She has also volunteered as a web content developer, online event planner/presenter and trainer for Institute of Ismaili Studies, London, Dawood Global Foundation and agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network.
She completed her MSc in Political Economy of Development from School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in 2008.
She is currently Head of Marketing and Communications, after leading and implementing a Marketing Strategy for KB22 that included Social Media, Public Relations, Digital Marketing and School Engagement.
Ambreen has worked in global corporations and nonprofit organizations such as Aga Khan University, Habib University, Acumen and Citibank. She has also volunteered as a web content developer, online event planner/presenter and trainer for Institute of Ismaili Studies, London, Dawood Global Foundation and agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network.
She completed her MSc in Political Economy of Development from School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in 2008.
Adil Rafaqat
Office Manager, KBT
Adil completed his Bachelors from the Indus Valley University. Adil Rafaqat has over 7 years of professional experience in Pakistan and UAE with expertise in controlling inventory, ordering and tracking new supplies, developing procedures and training material for staff. Coming from the retail sector in UAE, this was his first exposure to an art organization. Working for the Second Biennale opened the doors to a range of new experiences and people, and he’s excited to be working towards KB22.
Muhammad Qasim
Accountant
Muhammad Qasim is a qualified Cost and Management accountant with a decade of finance experience. He is currently serving as Deputy Chief Finance Officer in a Non-Profit Organization while also working as an Accountant for Karachi Biennale Trust. Qasim's responsibilities in his role at Karachi Biennale Trust include managing day-to-day accounting processes, preparing financial and management accounts, and ensuring the timely filing of withholding taxes and annual returns with the Federal Board of Revenue. Additionally, he oversees external auditors and tax consultants. With a strong track record in finance and accounting, Qasim has demonstrated his expertise across a diverse range of industries, including education, art, and finance.
Qurat-ul-Ain Abdul Ghafoor
Assistant to CEO
Qurat-ul-Ain has done her bachelors in Architecture and Planning at NEDUET. Apart from her architectural background, she is passionate about and qualified in mixed media art, photography, videography, and public speaking. It is her ambitious goal to explore and diversify her fields of interests. She also has experience working as a venue coordinator in IAPex as well as the third Karachi Biennale, KB22.