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A conference in Lahore has kicked off today that will examine the relationship of the city (and its counterparts across Pakistan) with art.

Called the 'City In Context' conference, the four-day symposium is being hosted by the Goethe-Institut Pakistan, the Lahore Biennale Foundation (LBF), Beaconhouse National University and the Centre for Culture and Development (CKU). It is taking place at the Alhamra Arts Council, Lahore and Annemarie-Schimmel-Haus, Alliance Francaise De Lahore till December 4.

The symposium is open to public and entry is free for all.

For those wondering how they can benefit from a discussion of the city's engagement with the arts, Rashid Rana, Artistic Director Lahore Biennale 01 and spokesperson for City In Context, says, "It is a one-of-a-kind event involving talks, performances, workshops and exhibitions and also concludes some year-long projects; specifically 'Urbanities - Art & Public Spaces in Pakistan' and 'Stories We Tell (Aao Sunayein Kahani)'. City in Context also encompasses an introductory seminar about the inaugural Lahore Biennale which is to take place a year from now and will be the largest art event in Pakistan till now."

"Non-linear sense of time and peculiar circumstances of cities such as Lahore enable multiple contexts and narratives, providing a fertile environment that has produced many creative individuals who have made their mark felt across the world. The symposium celebrates the richness of this complex city by inviting individuals from diverse backgrounds to participate; architects, artists, urban experts, writers and performers," Rana continues.

"Each one of the three projects in City in Context invokes the narratives of the city and aims to engage with the city and the people of the city in its own unique way."