Pakistan has entered a new era of digital creativity as its first Virtual and Extended Reality (VXR) Festival officially opens in Lahore. The groundbreaking event brings together 70 artists from Pakistan and several countries, offering visitors an extraordinary experience of immersive technology.
The festival, titled “Between the Prompts // V.1,” opened on November 8, 2026, at Alliance Française de Lahore. It features virtual reality, augmented reality and interactive digital installations that transform traditional artwork into immersive experiences.
Unlike conventional exhibitions, visitors can use VR headsets and digital screens to explore artworks from entirely new perspectives. The event includes contributions from artists representing Pakistan, France, Spain, Canada and the United States.
One major attraction is a virtual reality experience inspired by famous French painter Claude Monet. Visitors can explore his garden in Giverny before entering digital interpretations of his celebrated Water Lilies paintings.
Pakistani artists are also presenting innovative projects inspired by cultural heritage. Sana Akram’s Sun transforms traditional fantasy storytelling into an interactive environment. Meanwhile, AB Rehman’s Al Buraq 2.0 combines cultural imagery with futuristic technology.
The festival is curated by Dr Najamul Assar and Sarah Rajper, with Zainab Aamir serving as assistant curator.
International organizations, including UNESCO and cultural institutions from France and Spain, are supporting the initiative.
Following its Lahore programme, the festival will travel to Islamabad from November 13 to 15, allowing more visitors to experience the installations.
Public entry is free, making emerging technologies accessible to students, artists and technology enthusiasts.
The event highlights Pakistan’s growing potential in digital art, artificial intelligence and immersive storytelling.
