Iran seeks to broaden visual arts reach through provincial galleries
Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance has placed the expansion of provincial art galleries high on its cultural agenda, officials said at a meeting with provincial arts and cinema deputies in Tehran on June 1.
Speaking at the gathering held at the Iran Mall Museum Gallery, Director General of the Visual Arts Office Aydin Mehdizadeh, said strengthening galleries across the country would serve as a key driver for the development of Iran’s visual arts sector.
Mehdizadeh identified support for provincial galleries, the reinforcement of visual arts associations and the recognition of specialized visual arts experts in the provinces as the ministry’s main priorities.
He said provincial cultural departments play a central role in shaping and directing artistic activities nationwide.
He also underscored the ministry’s policy of devolving authority to the provinces, noting that Culture Minister Abbas Salehi and senior arts officials support transferring more responsibilities, including gallery-related licensing and administration, to local authorities.
“The development of visual arts passes through the development of galleries,” Mahdizadeh said, urging provinces to strengthen exhibition spaces and accelerate the completion of contemporary art museum projects where they exist.
The official further called for stronger professional structures for artists and cultural practitioners in the provinces, saying local visual arts associations should take a greater role in talent development, networking and the delivery of artistic projects.
He also highlighted the need to formally establish visual arts specialist positions in provinces that currently lack dedicated experts, arguing that stronger institutional capacity would help ensure more coherent and effective cultural programming.