Fajr festivals to focus on Iran as main theme
Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance has announced that the Fajr festivals will focus on the theme of “Iran,” aiming to strengthen national identity and social cohesion through the arts.
Deputy Minister for Artistic Affairs, Nadereh Rezaei, revealed the initiative during a meeting with senior officials from the Interior Ministry of Interior. She highlighted the potential of the arts to foster "social vitality" and proposed collaboration with the Ministry of Interior to enhance public engagement.
Seyed Mohammad Bat’haei, Head of the Social Affairs Organization, concurred, noting that the arts could serve as a “valuable asset” for the Islamic Republic, especially in addressing societal challenges.
He emphasized the importance of leveraging artistic expressions to promote unity and resilience across the nation.
The discussions also touched upon the role of theater, particularly “applied theater,” in addressing social issues.
Saeed As’adi, Senior Advisor to the Deputy Minister for Artistic Affairs, highlighted the significance of theater in community engagement and its potential to serve as a “bridge” between cultural institutions and the public.
Reza Dabirinejad, Director of the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, called for increased attention to local art festivals and the establishment of museums in underserved regions. He argued that such initiatives could contribute to “cultural justice” and ensure equitable access to artistic experiences nationwide.
The Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance is set to collaborate with the Ministry of Interior to implement these initiatives, with plans to launch joint projects aimed at enhancing the cultural landscape and addressing social challenges through the arts.