A competitive exhibition of calligraphy and painting was held in Kabul. In this exhibition, more than seventy artists displayed their works of painting and calligraphy.

They criticized what they consider to be the neglect of the arts of painting and calligraphy in Kabul.

Zarmina, a participant, said, "Until today, I have never had a master to work with; however, I am proud that we have reached this level today."

Fereshat, another participant, stated, "Art is fundamentally a necessity in a society because it portrays the realities of a society."

Artists are asking the Islamic Emirate for support and the provision of facilities in the area of raw materials for themselves and their peers.

Mozammil, a participant, remarked, "Although we work very hard, culture and art make up half the body of society; yet no one supports us, our art is diminishing day by day."

Gholam Hossein, another participant, commented, "The exhibitions that have been held this year are very good and have had positive effects on all participants."

Meanwhile, officials from the Afghanistan House of Culture and Arts state that the aim of launching the competitive program is to develop and support painters and calligraphers.

Officials from this institution add that the program was conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Culture and the Afghanistan House of Culture and Arts at the Kabul International Exhibition.

Reza, an official at the House of Culture and Arts, said, "We hope to motivate artists who have become housebound and reluctant to visit their galleries, so that through this initiative they may continue their art and not waste their talent."

According to the officials of the House of Culture and Arts of Afghanistan, currently, ninety percent of the painting and calligraphy galleries have been closed for various reasons, leading to a decline in the presence of painting and calligraphy among the youth.