Punjab Council of the Arts, Bahawalpur Division—formerly known as the Bahawalpur Arts Council—was established in 1975 with a mission to preserve and promote the region’s vibrant cultural identity. The council was allotted 16 Kanal and 13 Marlas of land, generously transferred by the Municipal Corporation of Bahawalpur.
Cultural history of the Area Bahawalpur is a Custodian of Hakra civilization. its Prestigious, splendid, and marvelous civilazation flourished around Hakra and Sutlej River. Hakra is also called the Sarasvati, which is accoiled, sacred and mythical River in the Indian mythology. Some seven thousand years ago Hakra dried and civilazation died we are proud custodian of Hakra Civilization and the Cholistani people are the Harrier of Hakra civilazation. Bahawalpur’s Cultural music which is decorated by various colours and shades of Arabian ,Rajasthani ,Shinde Indus and Ganga jamni . Moreover, Seraiki is widely spoken language of the natives.
The site for the new building of the council which is under construction is located nearest to the two main monuments of the city i.e., Shahi Eid Gah and Noor Mehal. This would be one of the magnificent cultural complex in the region that would serve the purpose of Cultural promotion in the region and preserving the cultural shades of the region. Punjab Council of the Arts, Bahawalpur Division is striving to manifest all the cultural aspects including Fine Arts, Crafts, Music, Theatre and Literature.
Currently, the council is functioning its operational and cultural affairs in the building known as Rasheedia Auditorium, Model Town-A, Bahawalpur which was handed over by the District Government to the Information & Culture Department about 03 decades ago.