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Touted as Pakistan's largest international contemporary art event, the Karachi Beinnale 2017 was inaugurated yesterday and is now open to the public.

But what is the Karachi Biennale exactly? According to Managing Trustee Nilofur Farrukh the beinnale is a "groundbreaking" event which brings together over 140 local and international artists who will display their work across 12 different venues in Karachi.

As much an interaction with the city as with art, the beinnale aims to include public spaces in the discourse on the arts.

Thinking of checking out the beinnale? Here's what you need to know.

1) With art featured at 12 locations, you can choose to view exhibits at venues closest to you

A majority of works are being featured at the historic NJV Higher Secondary School on MA Jinnah Road.

The other venues include the Karachi School of Art, the VM Art Gallery, ZVMG Rangoonwala Trust, Capri Cinema, 63 Commissariat Lines, Jamshed Memorial Hall, Pioneer Book House, the Sadequain Gallery at Frere Hall, Claremont House, Mahvash and Jahangir Siddiqui Art Gallery, Alliance Francaise, Fomma Trust, IVS Gallery.

2) Super Savari will be offering tours of all the venues

Super Savari is offering both guided tours of all the venues at KB17 as well as basic shuttle services. The tours cost Rs2500 and the shuttle service costs Rs500 per person.  

The service might just be a relief to Karachiites who can't find parking at the assigned venues - or those who just plain don't want to drive.

3) The exhibits are curated by Amin Gulgee

Sculptor and longtime Karachiite Amin Gulgee has curated most of the exhibits at KB17 with the exhibition of a few exhibits curated by foreign gallerists.

"Karachi today has an active commercial gallery scene," says Gulgee. "Yet there are few museums or spaces for art to be seen by the general public. This is why it is imperative to establish a large-scale art event that engages with both the local and international audiences in Pakistan's largest city."

4) Karachiites will get the chance to see international art on display

While the beinnale goes a long way to celebrate local artists like Arif Mahmood, Jamil Baloch, Saba Khan, Saira Sheikh, Ayaz Jokhio, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and more, it also introduces the city to foreign ideas.

Artists like Goddy Leye, LiWei, Pablo Lauf, Eleonore Hellio, Sarah Revoltella and more will feature across Karachi.

5) KB17 will also feature lectures and performances

For those interested in interactive installations and/or hearing the artists speak, events are scheduled across the next two weeks.

Kicking off today with a children's art activity at NJV School and a poetry reading at Pioneer Book House, these events will continue through out. For more information log on to the KB17 website.